Eddie Howe (left) and former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveleyplaceholder image
Eddie Howe (left) and former Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley | Getty Images
Newcastle United have operated without a sporting director and active CEO all summer.
Eddie Howe has claimed finances - not a lack of CEO or sporting director - is to blame for Newcastle United’s pulling power.
Paul Mitchell’s exit following the final day of the 2024-25 campaign sent an explosion around St James’ Park. As for Darren Eales, he is not playing an active role at Newcastle following his blood cancer diagnosis.
The Magpies are understood to be closing in on former Real Madrid supremo David Hopkinson as his successor. However, many point towards two key positions being vacant as a reason for Newcastle’s shortcomings this summer.
Newcastle United’s summer failures
Newcastle’s miscomings in the transfer market are well-documented. The likes of Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, Hugo Ekitike, James Trafford and Benjamin Sesko have all snubbed a Tyneside switch for Premier League rivals.
This has led to frustration among Toon fans, with Anthony Elanga the only arrival of the summer. Newcastle’s problems were laid bare by the youthful nature of their benches against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.
Eddie Howe does not blame boardroom
Speaking to NewcastleWorld, Howe insisted finances - not personnel - is why the club have failed to land their top targets. He was also asked whether Amanda Staveley is missed - or whether anyone else who can “sell” the club to new arrivals.
”It’s been a blow for us,” Howe said about the boardroom situation. “But I don't think it's been fatal because very good people have stepped up and taken the responsibility and the workload. We've been in this position many times, unfortunately, in the last few transfer windows and, by and large, we've come out with very good results. We’re gonna have to try and do that again.
”I don't think it's changed any of the results in terms of recruiting players. I don't think it would have been any different even with those roles filled because the reasons for not bringing in the players in hasn't been because we haven't had a sporting director or a CEO, it’s come down to finances.
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Eddie Howe still wants CEO and sporting director
Despite his comments, the Toon boss confirmed he hopes to see the two appointments made swiftly. He added: “My preference would always be that you have your team in place because those roles are there for a reason. They add value to any football club.
“So, yes, we're missing two pivotal senior appointments that will make us run better and make us work better as a football club. They add value to any football club. So, yes, we're missing two pivotal senior appointments that will make us run better and make us work better as a football club. So, no, but my wish is that those roles are filled because I think that will make us stronger (and) more complete football club. They’re important roles for the club to work well.”
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