At lunch time today, we were shocked by the news that Paul Mitchell will leave Newcastle United at the end of June.
What has gone on to reach that conclusion is not yet clear, but what happens next is of vital importance as we head into a huge summer for the club.
An update has emerged via [The Athletic](https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5756366/?source=twitteruk), who have been in contact with unnamed Newcastle representatives following today’s announcement.
Newcastle United’s recruitment plans will NOT be impacted by Paul Mitchell’s imminent departure.
Sources at Newcastle, who’ve been given anonymity by The Athletic to protect relationships, have stressed that clear transfer targets have already been identified in recruitment meetings in recent months.
Mitchell will therefore assist head of recruitment Steve Nickson and assistant Andy Howe over the next month, with much of the preparation work already done.
A snippet from The Athletic states: ‘Newcastle sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, insist that recruitment will not be affected, with clear targets already identified in meetings, but Mitchell is a key negotiator and decision-maker.
‘Following Dan Ashworth’s departure in February 2024, this will be the fourth consecutive summer window in which a different figure is leading Newcastle’s summer strategy.
‘There is continuity within that department — such as head of recruitment Steve Nickson and his assistant Andy Howe — who will shoulder much of the load until a new appointment is made. Mitchell will support them until the end of June.’
David Ornstein insists that Mitchell will depart with the ‘full respect’ of the Toon hierarchy, coaching staff and players, suggesting there has been no abrupt fallout.
The sudden nature of his exit after less than 12 months at the club has raised concerns, especially just days before we head into the first stage of a vital summer.
Hopefully this is part of a plan that works out well, with Orstein not expecting his exit to impact transfer plans.
He reports, ‘Mitchell leaves with the full respect of the hierarchy, technical team, coaching staff and players. His exit is not expected to impact the summer’s transfer business.’