Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy has been handed a new job title at Newcastle United by sporting director Ross Wilson.
While not to cast any aspersions on how good Howe’s nephew is at his job, the fact that such a close family member was involved in last summer’s largely dreadful recruitment has not been lost on Newcastle United fans.
This would be the WORST Eddie Howe replacement we could get! 😡
Or are you still captured by his old magic?
A graphic with the statement: "Prove me wrong, Jose Mourinho would be all wrong for Newcastle United." Image shows Jose Mourinho at St James' Park, the home stadium of Newcastle United.
Credit: Getty Images/Stu Forster
Indeed, Andy Howe has a leading role in Newcastle’s recruitment structure, which has come under criticism following a difficult summer for the club.
The failings do have to be seen as a collective one. There simply cannot be one person to blame when things go badly, nor can there be one person to celebrate when signings work out.
Still, the notion that the Newcastle United manager has a family member working alongside him has been criticised by sections of the support.
Now, his job title has changed – though only in name.
Hard choice – but who are you selling if you were in charge? 🤔
Feel free to include anyone not pictured!
A graphic reading: "If we have to make a major sale this summer, who should it be?" Image is split image of Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon and Bruno Guimaraes all playing for Newcastle United.
Credit: Getty Images/Annabel Lee-Ellis/Javier Borrego/Europa Press/Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA
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According to The Daily Mail, Howe’s job title has changed. Where he was once Newcastle’s assistant head of first team recruitment, he now holds the role of senior football executive.
Quite what that actually means is unclear. Newcastle certainly seem to have a lot of executives behind the scenes, but progress to any meaningful degree often moves at glacial speed.
The report adds that Howe’s role will largely stay the same and that Wilson is merely tidying up the structure at the club.
Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson during the Premier League match against Everton.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Newcastle United are looking to appoint a new scout
Interestingly, Newcastle United’s official website recently posted a job advert as they look to appoint a Scouting Positional Analyst.
The job details are described as: “As a Positional Analyst, you’ll deliver detailed video and live analysis on players in key positions across assigned markets. Working closely with our Lead Video Analyst, data team and Head of Technical Scouting, you’ll build clear, objective evidence that supports recruitment strategy and future transfer planning.
“Your work will inform real decisions. Your detail will make a difference.”
It’s clear that whoever in charge of recruitment last summer – in admittedly difficult circumstances – will be facing some very difficult questions.
Newcastle were once famed for their recruitment strategy but that feels like a very long time ago now.
The only significant signings the club have made since the summer of 2023 have largely failed to work out.
Things need a revamp, which does appear to be what is happening to a certain extent.
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