Paul Mitchell may well have played a key role in Newcastle United’s Carabao Cup victory.
The Newcastle United sporting director is set to leave the club imminently, lasting less than a year in the role at St James’ Park.
Mitchell made five signings at Newcastle, none of whom look likely to break into Eddie Howe’s first-team on a regular basis just yet.
William Osula is perhaps the closest to doing so but the Danish U21 international remains a project player for now.
While Mitchell’s signings may one day come good for the club, little about his tenure looks a huge success right now.
Still, he may have indeed played a key role in Newcastle lifting the Carabao Cup.
Paul Mitchell and James Bunce are pictured at the Newcastle United training ground.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Paul Mitchell’s role in Newcastle United winning the Carabao Cup
According to The Athletic, there are some figures who think Mitchell’s “fingerprints” are all over the Carabao Cup trophy, which was won when Newcastle beat Liverpool 2-1 in the final at Wembley in March.
It’s claimed that the fact Mitchell brought in James Bunce as performance director helped the club move past the injury crisis they endured during the 2023/24 campaign.
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Eddie Howe has hailed Bunce, and there’s little doubt the Newcastle United squad suffered fewer injuries last time out.
Still, the fact they played fewer games last time out after failing to qualify for Europe the season before also cannot be ignored.
Season Games played Days lost through injury
2023/24 51 1950
2024/25 48 779
Newcastle United injury record compared from 2023/24 season to 2024/25 season, data via Premier Injuries
Why Paul Mitchell is leaving Newcastle United
There hasn’t yet been an official reason given.
Still, Mitchell cited the fact Newcastle CEO Darren Eales was leaving as a reason he would be stepping down.
“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,” he said.
“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.”
Eales is sadly stepping down due to health reasons but will remain in place until a successor is appointed.
It remains to be seen what becomes of Mitchell next. The Newcastle owners are thought to remain on good terms with him, though his next move is unclear.
The Mitchell experiment at Newcastle hasn’t worked out. A chaotic chapter will soon be over.