Newcastle United managing director Lee Charnley aimed a series of digs at Rafael Benitez in his programme notes ahead of the Magpie's 1-0 opening day defeat to Arsenal at St James' Park.
Newcastle supporters were devastated with the news that ex-manager Benitez was to leave the club to take up a position with Chinese side Dalian Yifang, and were equally unimpressed when he was replaced by Steve Bruce.
Benitez's departure has led to protests by some fans against owner Mike Ashley, and some boycotted the Arsenal match in a bid to try to get Ashley to sell the club.
However, Charnley has assured supporters there was nothing they could do to convince Benitez to stay.
Writing in his programme notes, Charnley said: "We understand and expected the disappointment that Rafa’s departure caused. We strongly believe we went beyond what could reasonable be asked in order to keep him."
Benitez is thought to be earning around £12-a-year at Dalian Yifang, and Charnley suggested money was the main thinking behind Benitez's decision to move to China.
He added: “But let’s be clear; he moved for the money. The offer he received was too tempting. We understand that and there is nothing wrong with that.
“It was not something we could compete against.”
Charnley also threw his support behind Bruce, and insisted he is the right man for the job.
“What we have now in Steve Bruce is someone who genuinely cares,” he added.
“He wants only the best for the city and the football club and his passion for both is abundantly clear.
“I would agree with our players that Steve and his team have been fantastic to work with since their arrival."
Newcastle will look to bounce back from the disappointment of their defeat to Arsenal when they travel to newly-promoted Norwich City on Saturday.
