Paul Mitchell leaving Newcastle United means the club are looking for a new sporting director yet again.
It has been announced that Paul Mitchell is leaving Newcastle United at the end of the season by mutual consent.
His departure from St James’ Park comes less than 12 months after he arrived as Dan Ashworth’s replacement.
Mitchell’s arrival caused turmoil on Tyneside, as his relationship with Eddie Howe got off to a bad start. It has even been claimed that Howe almost quit his job at Newcastle United following Mitchell’s appointment.
Now their working relationship is already over, as Newcastle United get set to look for another new sporting director.
As the search begins, Geordie Boot Boys have identified five sporting directors that Newcastle United should consider.
Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Photo by Stephen Pond/Getty Images
Dougie Freedman
Before appointing Paul Mitchell, Newcastle wanted Dougie Freedman.
However, Freedman rejected Newcastle’s offer to remain at Crystal Palace.
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It was announced in March that the Scot is leaving Selhurst Park, with Freedman moving to Saudi Arabia. He is now working for Al-Diriyah, who are owned by PIF.
His move to the Middle East will likely ruin Newcastle’s chances of getting Freedman, but the fact he is already working for another PIF club is certainly interesting.
Phil Giles
During Newcastle United’s search for Dan Ashworth’s successor, they considered a move for Brentford’s Phil Giles.
Newcastle did their due diligence on Giles before Ashworth’s move to Manchester United, while there is the added bonus that the 49-year-old is from the North East and supports the Magpies.
He has spent 10 years at Brentford, and his record in recruitment speaks for itself. They have recruited incredibly well during their rise to the Premier League, while they are also excellent sellers.
Steve Nickson
The sporting director saga really hindered Newcastle United’s 2024 summer transfer window.
To avoid such turmoil, the Magpies could promote from within.
Steve Nickson is Newcastle’s head of recruitment and has an incredible knack for spotting talent. His reputation inside the club has grown massively since the change of ownership, having had little capacity to spend when Mike Ashley was in charge.
Amanda Staveley wanted Nickson to become sporting director last summer, and that could be an option for the club to explore again in 2025.
Interestingly, some Newcastle fans want Nickson to get the job.
Dan Ashworth
They say you should never go back, but what if Dan Ashworth made a shock return to St James’ Park?
His reputation has taken a battering ever since his Toon departure, while it has been reported that Ashworth regrets leaving Newcastle United.
He had a good relationship with Eddie Howe during his time on Tyneside, but a move back to the North East could be scuppered by Ashworth’s new role at the FA.
The 54-year-old is back in football, having been appointed as the FA’s chief football officer.
Michael Emenalo
Before appointing Ashworth, Newcastle held talks with Michael Emenalo.
For a long time, the former Chelsea chief looked like the favourite to oversee the Newcastle United project.
The 59-year-old now works in Saudi Arabia, serving as the Saudi Pro League’s director of football.