· 14 July 2025, 13:30
**Newcastle United are still searching for a new sporting director after Paul Mitchell left the club at the start of the month.**
Less than a year into the role, former Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell walked away from his duties at Newcastle amid reports that he wasn't well-liked at the club, and with his one big ally, Darren Eales set to step down as CEO, he walked before he was pushed.
That leaves Newcastle without a sporting director in the summer transfer window for a second season, but thankfully, things are getting done this time around.
As for the recruitment process, that is well underway, but in the meantime, the club has made moves to alter the structure behind the scenes ahead of a new director of football's arrival.
> [](https://twitter.com/NUFC/status/1944683635128533372)
Jack Ross is being handed his third job title in two years
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Former Sunderland manager Jack Ross joined Newcastle in 2023 and has held two different roles at the club in that time, now moving into a third as confirmed by [the official site this morning.](https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/newcastle-united-appoint-jack-ross-as-head-of-football-strategy)
> "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 timing of this strikes us as odd
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This is clearly an excellent opportunity for Jack Ross, but we can't help feeling that it's an odd move to make before a new sporting director is appointed.
What if the new hire wants to bring in his own team, or he and Ross don't get on? The pair are going to be forced into a working relationship that might not work.
Especially as interviews are well underway and the role is changing from what it was when the candidates applied.
Hopefully, this has all been communicated to the hopeful candidates well ahead of time, and they know what they are potentially stepping into.