Paul Mitchell is Newcastle United’s new sporting director, and everyone associated with the club is delighted.
The fans are buzzing to welcome Paul Mitchell to St James’ Park, as the club appoint a man who has a great reputation when it comes to recruitment. He has done brilliantly in similar roles with Monaco, RB Leipzig, Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, and now it is Newcastle United who look set to benefit from his expertise.
It has been heralded as a great appointment, as Mitchell arrives to take Dan Ashworth’s place as sporting director. His arrival has coincided with Ashworth’s departure, with the former FA chief finally getting the green light to take over at Manchester United on Monday. A compensation package worth £10million was agreed between the two clubs.
The Ashworth saga is over, and now Mitchell’s tenure has begun.
Newcastle United happy they kept Paul Mitchell deal secret
The announcement came completely out of the blue. Before he was confirmed as Newcastle’s new sporting director, there had been no hint that he was even back in the picture after Dougie Freedman said no to the job.
The Magpies managed to keep the approach under their hats, and that is something that has delighted those inside St James’ Park.
That is according to iNews, who report that Newcastle officials are very happy about being able to keep their deal for Mitchell away from the media.
iNews add that this has actually allowed Mitchell to work on potential deals in the background, which is not a problem given the fact that he effectively arrived at Newcastle as a free agent. There was no breach of gardening leave due to the fact he was out of work since leaving Monaco in October 2023.
Newcastle keep it private unlike Man United
Newcastle United’s appointment of Paul Mitchell is a complete contrast to the deal that has took Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford.
While the situations are different due to the fact that Newcastle did not need to negotiate with another club to get Mitchell, fans will appreciate that this did not become a media circus. It appears to have been conducted very professionally, with no need for members of the hierarchy to take potshots in the press.
That is what happened with Ashworth, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe not afraid to complain to the media about Newcastle’s attitude towards their approach. He described the Magpies as ‘difficult’ and ‘awkward’, as the billionaire failed to get his way.
Mitchell could enjoy a fast start at Newcastle
With Mitchell already working on potential deals before his appointment, that should help him enjoy a fast start to life as Newcastle United’s sporting director.
Hopefully that is the case, as this is an important summer for the Magpies. The club are yet to really flex their muscles in the transfer market, but should have around £100million to spend.
Newcastle are aiming to bring in a winger and a centre-back, and it will be interesting to see who they target following the arrival of Mitchell.
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