Paul Mitchell is leaving his role as Newcastle United sporting director.
Less than one year after arriving at St James’ Park, it has been announced that Paul Mitchell is on his way out.
He joined Newcastle United in July 2024, coming in to replace the Manchester United-bound Dan Ashworth.
Mitchell’s arrival ruffled feathers on Tyneside, with Eddie Howe only aware of his appointment 24 hours before it was announced.
The former Monaco chief oversaw a difficult summer transfer window, with tension behind the scenes creating a huge amount of uncertainty.
After the initial teething problems, Mitchell failed to sign Marc Guehi.
He then failed to sign anyone in January either, as PSR restricted his ability to flex his recruitment muscles.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Paul Mitchell explains why it is the right time to leave Newcastle United
Now, ahead of what should be an exciting summer transfer window, Newcastle United are experiencing more upheaval behind the scenes.
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The club have confirmed that Mitchell will leave the club at the end of June, with the 43-year-old admitting that Darren Eales’ looming departure means it is the ‘right’ moment to call time on his Toon career.
“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,” he told Newcastle’s official website.
Newcastle United can announce that Sporting Director, Paul Mitchell, will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June 2025.
Paul leaves with the club's best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.
— Newcastle United (@NUFC) May 27, 2025
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“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.”
Darren Eales also leaving Newcastle United
It was announced in September 2024 that Darren Eales would be leaving his role as Newcastle United chief executive officer due to health reasons.
Eales was diagnosed with a chronic form of blood cancer, and has remained in his role at St James’ Park during the club’s search for a successor.
It was recently reported that Collette Roche is a candidate to replace Eales at Newcastle United.
2024 was a year of major change for Newcastle United. Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left the club, while Mitchell came in to shake things up.
Fast forward 12 months and Mitchell is on his way out, and he is going to be followed by Eales.
On the back of the club’s best season ever, there are going to be seismic changes behind the scenes.