Newcastle United are searching for a new sporting director ahead of Paul Mitchell’s exit.
Paul Mitchell will leave the position at the end of June, less than a year after succeeding Dan Ashworth. Steve Nickson and Andy Howe have been placed in interim charge as the Magpies eye their first summer transfer breakthrough.
Paul Mitchell’s time at Newcastle United
Mitchell was announced in the role just days after the Magpies were forced to sell Elliot Anderson and Yankuba Minteh to Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest, respectively, in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) and avoid an inevitable points deduction.
United have failed to secure a major signing during Mitchell’s tenure, with the £15million arrival of Will Osula from Sheffield United the only outlay. Mitchell failed to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi last summer but successfully negotiated the sales of Miguel Almiron and Lloyd Kelly in January.
Almiron re-joined Atlanta United for a reported £13m while Kelly moved to Juventus on loan with a £20m obligation to buy. The funds raised have helped put Newcastle in a healthy financial position as Eddie Howe hopes to bolster his squad ahead of a return to the Champions League next season.
Newcastle United step up search for Paul Mitchell replacement
With Ashworth and Mitchell’s spells coming to an end earlier than anticipated, it was unclear if Newcastle would continue down the sporting director route. But now it’s known they will, with recruitment specialists Nolan Partners leading the search.
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The 41-year-old joined Forest in April 2023 and has helped to oversee their rise from battling relegation to qualifying for the Europa Conference League. Prior to that, Wilson has enjoyed success in similar roles at Rangers, Southampton, Huddersfield Town and Watford.
It’s also claimed Julian Ward, technical director at Liverpool, is ‘admired’ while Jason Ayto, former assistant sporting director at Arsenal, and Gavin Fleig, a backroom figure at Manchester City, have also been discussed. Interviews are due to take place, according to the Daily Mail.
Paul Mitchell addresses his Newcastle United exit
Commenting on his Newcastle departure, Mitchell said: "I'd like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.
"I'm leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales - someone who I have worked so closely with in my career - moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.
"I'd like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future."
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