Jack Ross, interim head Coach of Newcastle United U21 looks on prior to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Bradford City and Newcastle United U21 at University of Bradford Stadium, Valley Parade on September 03, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jack Ross, interim head Coach of Newcastle United U21 looks on prior to the Bristol Street Motors Trophy match between Bradford City and Newcastle United U21 at University of Bradford Stadium, Valley Parade on September 03, 2024 in Bradford, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Newcastle United are preparing to welcome a new sporting director.
The former Sunderland manager first joined Newcastle in March 2023 as Head of Coach Development, which included an interim spell in charge of the under-21s, before moving to the position of Head of Strategic Football Partnerships.
The statement released by Newcastle stated Ross would report to the club’s new sporting director, a position that is currently vacant following Paul Mitchell’s recently exit.
Newcastle United club statement
Explaining the role, the club statement read: “Reporting into a new Sporting Director, Jack will take on an important leadership role that will help to develop a consistent sporting philosophy across the club.
“He will work within the Football Directorate alongside senior leadership across all sites, supporting communication, collaboration and the implementation of best practice across men's, women's and Academy football.
“Having previously overseen almost 300 professional matches as a manager, Jack initially joined Newcastle United's Academy’s as Head of Coach Development in March 2023 before moving to the position of Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships. He has continued to provide mentorship and strategic support to key staff.
“In addition to overseeing the club’s player loan and emerging talent strategy, Jack will also lead on building strategic relationships with other clubs, introducing new football development and talent pathway opportunities in the UK and overseas.
“The establishment of this model is aimed at enabling talent depth and retention, as well as supporting the development of Newcastle United's global brand and IP.”
Jack Ross ‘delighted’ with his new role at Newcastle United
Reacting to his new role, Ross said: "I am delighted to move to the role of Head of Football Strategy.
"This is an exciting opportunity to help the club build on the outstanding progress and successes it has achieved on and off the pitch in recent seasons. We have incredibly high calibre staff here across multiple pillars of the club, and I am looking forward to supporting them in this new position."
Newcastle United sporting director search
The announcement regarding Ross’ new role could indicate that the appointment of a new sporting director is edging closer.
Nottingham Forest chief football officer Ross Wilson is understood to be in the running. He has been at the City Ground since 2023 and has overseen the Tricky Trees’ transformation into European contenders.
Newcastle have already done business with Forest this summer after last week completing the £52million signing of Anthony Elanga.
Former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto is also a potential option. The 40-year-old held the top job at the Emirates on an interim basis following Edu’s departure before leaving at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Julian Ward - Liverpool’s technical director - is no longer in the running.
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