Newcastle United will soon be on the lookout for a new sporting director after announcing that Paul Mitchell will be leaving the club in the coming weeks.
Paul Mitchell, who joined Newcastle United last July, is departing the Tyneside club by mutual consent, and will leave at the end of June.
The 43-year-old oversaw the signings of Odysseas Vlachodimos, William Osula, Lloyd Kelly – who has already left for Juventus – and John Ruddy.
TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey has explained what the situation was like behind the scenes at Newcastle.
Bailey also shared what’s now set to happen that “could really help” the club.
Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
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Bailey, speaking exclusively to TBR Football, explained how Mitchell and Eddie Howe were “often at loggerheads”.
This led to the club owners becoming “increasingly agitated”, with sources believing this led to them considering a change.
Now, Howe is expected to play a part in selecting the next sporting director, and having him pull in the same direction as the manager can only be a good thing.
“Paul Mitchell leaving allows the club to reset at sporting director,” said Bailey. “It was never a great fit with Eddie Howe.
“Let’s not beat around the bush… Mitchell and Howe were often at loggerheads and PIF were growing increasingly agitated and some believe they were considering a change.
“Howe will have some say in who comes in and this could really help Newcastle, having two people in the biggest roles at the club pulling in the same direction.”
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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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What Paul Mitchell has said about his impending Newcastle exit
Both Newcastle and Mitchell put out amicable statements in the wake of the announcement.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley [the women’s team manager], the players, staff, owners and fans,” Mitchell said.
“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.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle said: “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.”