‘Delighted’ - Newcastle United new appointment confirmed via email after ‘intricate process’

Former Poland assistant manager Kamil Potrykus has revealed he has joined Newcastle United’s player recruitment department.

Potrykus has spent the past eight years working as a head of performance analysis before combining his role as assistant manager to Czeslaw Michniewicz at both Poland senior and under-21s level, and club level at Legia Warsaw.

After taking over at Saudi Pro League side Abha Football Club in June, Michniewicz asked Potrykus to join him in the Middle East but turned down the opportunity as he “yearned to challenge” himself in the Premier League.

Speaking to Forbes journalist Marie Schulte-Bockum over email, Potrykus claimed he went through an “intricate recruitment journey” and was “meticulously assessed” in order to land the position at St James’ Park.

The 38-year-old says his “primary responsibility involves actively supporting the recruitment department in the selection of players for the first-team level.”

“For months, I went through an intricate recruitment journey at NUFC,” said Potrykus. “I was meticulously assessed by a diverse group of professionals, including members from the HR department, the Head of Recruitment, and the Sporting Director. Every phase of this process was thorough, reflecting the club’s commitment to excellence.

“While there was interest from several other Premier League clubs, the professionalism and family atmosphere at Newcastle ultimately influenced my decision to officially join the Club at the start of July, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in my career.

“Newcastle United is an incredible football club and I’m delighted to be joining at this very exciting time. I would like to sincerely thank the Club for their trust in making me part of a team that is helping the club grow and achieve long-term success. We are embarking on an exciting Premier League and Champions League season ahead.”

“I’m delighted to be here, I have great first impressions,” Potrykus added. “Newcastle-upon-Tyne is renowned for the warmth of its people, its industrial legacy, and vibrant culture.

“Yet, for someone like me, Newcastle’s essence is perhaps best encapsulated by its football club. The sheer history, the awe-inspiring St. James’ Park with its 52,000 seats - and the incredible supporters of the club.

“Newcastle United is a remarkable football club managed on the basis of incredible values. It’s not just the rich history and passionate fans that make it special; it’s also the culture and the wonderful people behind the scenes that make it an enviable place to work.

“For a while now, I have been following the career of the sporting director Dan Ashworth, and the head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, who, along with Eddie Howe at the helm, are doing excellent work for the club.

“While the club owes its success to the collective effort of numerous other dedicated professionals, it is primarily due to their contributions that I made the decision to join NUFC. I believe that collaborating with them will not only provide a chance for my development but will also pave the way for collective triumphs.”