Paul Mitchell is leaving Newcastle United but another key figure is set to stay put.
Newcastle United performance director James Bunce is set to remain at the club, despite Paul Mitchell’s exit.
Mitchell succeeded Dan Ashworth as Newcastle’s sporting director in July last year and brought Bunce, whom he worked with during his three years at Ligue 1 club Monaco, with him.
Bunce “coordinates everything regarding a player’s injury”, according to head coach Eddie Howe. Although no European football meant there were fewer fixtures last season, Bunce helped ensure the Magpies’ injury list was significantly lower than the 2023-24 season.
And that was a big part of the reason why United were able to enjoy a historic campaign, winning the Carabao Cup and qualifying for the Champions League. With Bunce close to Mitchell, it was feared by some supporters that he could follow Mitchell out of the exit door on June 30.
James Bunce hints at Newcastle United stay
“My 1st season as Performance Director at Newcastle United Football Club and oh boy what a season it was,” Bunce wrote. “Champions League Qualification, first domestic trophy in 70 years, 300,000 fans at celebration bus parade, club equalling 9 wins in a row, 20 Premier League wins in season (last done in 2002-03).
“Thank you to all the staff, players and supporters for making me feel so welcome and for all the amazing work on and off the pitch that has been done! There is nothing quite like a club and the roar of the Geordie nation at St James Park!
“Exciting times ahead for the club.......but now time for some "down time" and to come back and try to smash season 2025/26.”
Eddie Howe praises James Bunce impact
In March, Howe was asked about Bunce’s impact by NewcastleWorld. He said:“James has taken that on (injury responsibility) this season. His role is to coordinate everything regarding a player’s injury. With, of course, the medical team, in terms of assessing the injuries, getting the correct diagnosis, the right treatment, times and then beginning the process of getting that player back to full fitness.
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“I have to say I think he’s been excellent in every respect. He’s made a really positive difference for us. Our injury record over the season has been very strong. That is in part down to James and the medical team.”
James Bunce explains his Newcastle United role
Explaining his role after joining, Bunce said: "For Newcastle, that means that I have responsibility over the men's programme, the women's programme and the academy and I oversee the kind of major disciplines of performance and sports science, medical, nutrition and psychology.
“All of those areas have incredible expertise, knowledge, skills and the role of performance director is kind of to be the conductor of the orchestra, trying to get all those to blend together to provide the best support for the players, for the staff to optimise everything from recovery, from physical development, from medical care and bring that together to impact their ability to perform on the weekend, to outrun everyone, to perform 90 plus minutes week in, week out.
“And obviously, the most important step for me is the availability of the players. The players being available for the coach to choose from, that gives us the best opportunity to hit our goals and achieve the best we can.”
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