Newcastle United have been forced to recalibrate after missing out on Dougie Freedman.
The Crystal Palace chief looked all but certain to become Newcastle United‘s new sporting director, with the club looking to replace the outgoing Dan Ashworth. His move to Manchester United remains ongoing, with the situation becoming rather messy.
And the Magpies’ search for a replacement is going a similar way too. Despite impressing Toon officials during the interview process, Dougie Freedman actually changed his mind about leaving Selhurst Park.
That came as a major blow for Newcastle United, who have now had to go back to the drawing board.
Newcastle United could turn to Johannes Spors after Dougie Freedman blow
The obvious choice would be to move for Johannes Spors, who was the other candidate on Newcastle’s two-man shortlist.
It has been reported that the 41-year-old has since held more positive talks with the club, and now the Athletic’s Chris Waugh has provided details on how the 777 Group sporting director feels about heading to Tyneside.
Waugh has spoke about Newcastle’s sporting director search on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne.
“With Dougie Freedman having agreed a contract extension at Crystal Palace, he was the preferred choice of Newcastle,” he said.
“He had been in the final two, seemingly, with Johannes Spors of 777, the controversial ownership group who own multiple clubs across the world and are trying to take over Everton.
“He, on the sporting side, has a positive reputation. He remains in the running, as of the start of this week. He is yet to hear from Newcastle as to what happens next, but he still seems keen on the role, which is what we are led to believe.
“We do not know what is going to happen next. Newcastle had ideally wanted an appointment by the end of June.
“Freedman was the one they identified. It is undoubtedly a blow that he turned them down.”
Freedman saying no to Newcastle has created a real problem
Newcastle wanted to bring in a new sporting director soon, and they wanted it to be Freedman. But his u-turn has caused real problems for the Magpies, who now need to reassess the situation.
It will likely depend on how they really feel about Johannes Spors. He must have impressed the club to make the final two candidates, while Chris Waugh believes that he is keen on the role at St James’ Park.
That could give Newcastle the chance to reach a quick conclusion to this situation, or they can go back to the drawing board and relook at other possible candidates.
However, another person who was linked with the job is also unavailable now. Tiago Pinto was on Newcastle United’s radar, but he has now taken his recruitment talents to Bournemouth. It is quite the coup for the Cherries, who have secured a major behind the scenes hire.
As for Newcastle, they either need to make a quick decision and bring in Spors, or take their time and look at other options. That would mean no new sporting director for the summer transfer window, with Steve Nickson taking charge of comings and goings at St James’ Park.
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