The Paul Mitchell saga at Newcastle United is proving to be more hassle than it’s worth for Eddie Howe.
Mitchell is leaving Newcastle in June, though it appears no one is quite sure of the lay of the land right now.
Indeed, Mitchell is handing over sporting director responsibilities, making things uncertain for Newcastle United in the transfer market.
All of this is bad news for the Newcastle United manager. This summer, Howe wants Newcastle to sign targets quickly, though whether that is even possible when no one is sure on the point of contact is up for debate.
On reflection, Mitchell’s opening comments on Howe seem absolutely laughable.
Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell pose for a photo with Anthony Gordon after the forward signs a long-term contract with Newcastle United.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Paul Mitchell predicted success with Eddie Howe at Newcastle United
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel not long after his appointment, Mitchell talked of Howe’s presence on Tyneside being a factor as to why he joined the Magpies.
He also predicted the two would work seamlessly together and ensure “tremendous success” at St James’ Park.
That just has not worked out. Howe and Mitchell’s working relationship reportedly started badly and while it did improve, it does not seem like a huge coincidence that the sporting director is leaving after less than a year in the role.
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“We know each other, I think we have a tremendous amount of respect,” he said.
“I see our philosophies and ways of working being a natural collaboration.
“It’s something that was one of the motivations to come here. I think it’s going to be tremendously successful if I’m honest.”
Granted, the benefit of hindsight is a powerful thing, but that interview just seems laughable now.
Which players did Paul Mitchell sign at Newcastle United?
It could take years to see the benefits of Paul Mitchell’s Newcastle signings.
William Osula looks like the one player who could threaten first-team matters relatively soon, but the other four may take a while to fully develop – and there’s no guarantee they ever will.
Mitchell oversaw the additions of Osula, Antonio Cordero, Vakhtang Salia, Kyle Fitzgerald and Baran Yildiz.
William Osula
Vakhtang Salia
Kyle Fitzgerald
Baran Yildiz
Other than the aforementioned striker, none of those look likely to break into the Newcastle United squad any time soon.
Perhaps one day, we’ll look back on those signings as a masterstroke and it should be noted that Cordero is starring for the Spain U19s.
Right now, however, Mitchell’s tenure at Newcastle has been anything but a “tremendous success”.