Newcastle United’s search for a Dan Ashworth replacement is underway, and there is a chance they could look internally.
Dan Ashworth is currently on gardening leave, having stepped back from his responsibilities as Newcastle United’s sporting director amid interest from Manchester United.
He is going to be starting a similar role at Old Trafford, but it remains unclear when he will begin his new job. That will depend on Newcastle and Manchester United agreeing on a compensation package.
In the meantime, Toon officials are looking at who could take Ashworth’s place at St James’ Park. Paul Mitchell is currently the frontrunner, but there have been suggestions that Newcastle could promote someone who is already with the club.
That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle United’s search for their next sporting director.
Who Amanda Staveley would like to replace Dan Ashworth with at Newcastle
According to Bailey, Toon co-owner Amanda Staveley is interested in the possibility of promoting Steve Nickson, who is currently the Magpies’ head of recruitment.
“We’ll see what happens on the sporting director front. It’s going to be fascinating,” he said.
“From what I’m hearing, Amanda Staveley would like to keep it in house. She would maybe quite like Steve Nickson to take over, rather than bringing in an outsider.
“I think if Eddie Howe was going to be there long term, I think they may have gone for Richard Hughes to try and keep Howe happy, but I don’t think that’s the way they’re planning.
“I think we will see an outside party come in to take over. That’s just for the longevity of the club, it’s a sensible way to do it.”
Steve Nickson should continue in current role for Newcastle
Promoting Nickson would be an interesting decision, and he certainly deserves a lot of praise for his recruitment efforts in recent years.
However, it is for that reason that he should continue in his current role. He is doing a brilliant job for Newcastle United – let him continue doing just that.
While he might be a suitable candidate, the additional responsibilities of being sporting director could potentially hinder his impact in terms of recruitment, so it could end up having a negative impact overall.
That is why Newcastle should look further afield, and it appears that they are doing just that.
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