Boyhood Newcastle United fan confirms arrival from Premier League rivals

Newcastle United has further strengthened its academy ranks with the appointment of a new lead scout.

Edward Black, who has been Arsenal’s North of England and Scotland Emerging Talent Scout since June last year, has the Magpies’ latest recruit.

Black, a boyhood Newcastle fan, confirmed his new role via his Twitter account.

“I’d like to share that I’m starting my new position of Professional Lead Academy Scout @NUFC Football Club,” said Black. “I would like to thank everyone at @Arsenal it was a pleasure working at such a great club.

“Excited to be working for the club I support and being part of the project.”

Whilst holding a similar position at different clubs including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Norwich City, Black has remained based in the North East.

The Magpies recently recruited Delroy Ebanks from West Ham United as the academy’s southern lead scout, while Paul Baker oversees all things in the north. Paul McLaren is set to leave Manchester City and join as head of national youth scouting this summer.

United have already raided City this season after Paul Midgley, formerly of Leeds United, joined as head of youth recruitment.

In addition, United are also expanding its overseas network - advertising for up to seven international scouts to cover a host of countries including France; Germany, Holland and Belgium; Spain and Portugal; Italy, Switzerland and Croatia; Austria, Poland, Czech Republic, Denmark and Serbia; Brazil, Colombia and Ecuador as well as Argentina and Uruguay.

“Your football club’s success depends on recruitment,” said Magpies head coach Eddie Howe recently. “It’s that important. Who you bring into your football club really dictates what happens afterwards.

“I’m not involved in the structure of how we set up those departments. That’s other people’s jobs, but I’ll certainly welcome any changes that are positive for what we do.”

The arrival of Dan Ashworth as sporting director last summer has accelerated the club’s behind-the-scenes plans. Newcastle are also searching for a head of emerging talent and a recruitment operations manager.

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