It took a while, but Newcastle United have appointed a new sporting director in Paul Mitchell.
The Magpies shocked fans on Thursday morning with the announcement, confirming that Paul Mitchell had been hired as the man to take Dan Ashworth’s place at St James’ Park.
Toon fans were delighted with the news, while those within the club were buzzing that it was kept a secret from the public before it was officially announced.
Now the hard work begins, as Newcastle plot how to improve a squad that missed out on European football last season after qualifying for the Champions League the year prior.
It will be up to Mitchell to provide Eddie Howe with the ammunition to attack the new campaign, and that control was actually a key factor in convincing the 42-year-old to move to Tyneside.
How Newcastle United convinced Paul Mitchell to become sporting director
That is according to iNews, who report that Mitchell was convinced the become Newcastle’s sporting director after being offered greater control over the club’s recruitment – which is something that Dan Ashworth did not have.
iNews describe that as a key factor in Mitchell accepting the Magpies’ offer, as well as the fact that similar jobs at other clubs were no longer available.
With Mitchell given the promise of recruitment control, it is going to be an important first couple of months in charge at St James’ Park.
With around £100million to spend, Newcastle have two priorities – they want a winger to join Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in attack, and they want a right-sided centre-back to be Sven Botman’s long-term partner in defence.
It is unclear who the Magpies’ top targets in those positions are, but it looks like the final decision will rest with Mitchell.
Why Newcastle moved to get Mitchell in now
The appointment came out of the blue, in the wake of Newcastle’s PSR nightmare.
It was a wild end to June for the Magpies, as they desperately scrambled to raise funds to avoid a points deduction.
And it appears that the situation behind the scenes is what led to the club stepping up their efforts to appoint a sporting director.
That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle’s decision to bring in Paul Mitchell.
“He knew he wasn’t first choice, but that doesn’t really matter,” he said.
“He ticked a lot of boxes. He’s got a good CV. It was a bit of a surprise that he wasn’t down to the last few candidates before but perhaps they were going for someone in Freedman with more ties to the English market. He’s a fascinating appointment.
“I’m told with the PSR issues that have come about, the fact that Darren Eales and chief scout Steve Nickson were having to get involved and with two months left of this window, they needed to make that move.
“They couldn’t go another two months without a sporting director. He was the best candidate available. They needed someone who is well versed in the transfer market rather than a commercial guy, so they’ve moved quickly.
“Talks began again last week and they’ve got it done.”
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