Newcastle United are putting together a shortlist as they look for a sporting director to replace Paul Mitchell.
The turmoil behind the scenes at St James’ Park has continued, with Mitchell leaving Newcastle at the end of June.
The search for his successor is underway, but a replacement sporting director is nowhere near being appointed. Newcastle do not plan to promote from within, which would rule out Steve Nickson and Andy Howe for the job.
There have been some interesting names mentioned as potential candidates. Geordie Boot Boys understand that Brentford’s Phil Giles is on Newcastle’s radar. Elsewhere, Liverpool technical director Julian Ward has been linked with Newcastle.
Ross Wilson the front-runner for Newcastle United job
The club are yet to decide who their top target is, but a report from the Athletic suggests that a ‘front-runner’ is emerging.
Nottingham Forest sporting director Ross Wilson at a Premier League game against Bournemouth.
Photo by MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Athletic have been told by sources that Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson is the current favourite to be Newcastle United’s next sporting director.
They report that Wilson has a ‘positive’ relationship with Eddie Howe, while he has spoken to Newcastle United in the past during their previous searches for a sporting director.
That relationship with Howe could be crucial, as the Newcastle United manager did endure issues with Mitchell during the formative months of his tenure. The situation was reportedly so bad that Eddie Howe considered leaving Newcastle United.
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What Newcastle United must not do during sporting director search
Wilson’s signings with Nottingham Forest should appeal to Toon fans, who have seen the likes of Murillo and Nikola Milenkovic thrive since arriving at the City Ground.
But whether Wilson becomes the top target or not, Newcastle United absolutely must not rush to appoint Mitchell’s successor.
Following Dan Ashworth’s shocking exit and Mitchell’s largely disastrous reign, the Magpies need to get this sporting director appointment right. It needs to be someone who fits in with what Newcastle United are already trying to achieve and can work with Howe.
That is not what Newcastle had in Mitchell, which proved to be problematic.
In terms of transfer business, Newcastle have everything in place to be successful this summer without a sporting director. Steve Nickson and Andy Howe will oversee the club’s transfer activity, having excelled in that role previously.
With the amount of upheaval behind the scenes at St James’ Park in recent years, Newcastle must set themselves up to ensure there are no more dramatic changes in the immediate future. That means taking their time in appointing the right sporting director, be it Ross Wilson or someone else.