Newcastle United are stepping up their search for a new sporting director ahead of Paul Mitchell’s departure.
It has been confirmed that Paul Mitchell is leaving Newcastle United, with his time on Tyneside coming to an end this month. There have been contrasting stories that Mitchell has already left Newcastle United, with the 43-year-old no longer the main point of contact at St James’ Park.
Andy Howe and Steve Nickson are now taking charge of the club’s recruitment, amid what should be a very busy summer of comings and goings.
Their roles had been somewhat diluted upon Mitchell’s arrival in July 2024, but now they are back in positions of power as chaos continues to reign supreme at Newcastle United.
Steve Nickson and Andy Howe speak to Anthony Gordon following his arrival at Newcastle United from Everton.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United make sporting director decision
While Andy Howe and Nickson suddenly have more responsibilities within the club, neither of them are being primed to replace Mitchell as the Newcastle United sporting director.
According to the Athletic, Newcastle United’s next sporting director will be an external appointment rather than promoting from within.
The Athletic add that multiple sources have told them that it is ‘too big a job’ to promote someone internally. That rules out the prospect of Nickson or Andy Howe becoming sporting director at St James’ Park.
What Amanda Staveley wanted Newcastle United to do with Steve Nickson 12 months ago
Newcastle’s decision to look further afield for a new sporting director may disappoint some supporters on Tyneside. Following news of Mitchell’s exit, some fans called for Newcastle to appoint Nickson.
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The Magpies’ head of recruitment has really proven his worth since the change of ownership, having had little capacity to bring players in during Mike Ashley’s reign.
However, he is not going to be promoted to sporting director. Whether that is a good or bad thing for Nickson remains to be seen, but this is not the first time he has been linked with moving up the ladder at St James’ Park.
In March 2024, Newcastle were looking for Dan Ashworth’s replacement. At the time, Geordie Boot Boys were told that Amanda Staveley wanted Nickson to get the job rather than an outsider.
That did not happen, with Mitchell arriving a few months later. Mitchell’s appointment diminished Nickson’s role at the club, so whoever does become the new sporting director will hopefully be able to work in tandem with those already in place behind the scenes.