Eddie Howe reacts to surprise Newcastle United departure

Eddie Howe has backed Newcastle United to appoint the right successor to Elliott Dickman after he left his role as under-21s boss.

A club statement on Friday night confirmed Dickman had surprisingly departed the club - just 14 months after joining from local rivals Sunderland.

The circumstances surrounding his exit are currently unknown but the process to replace the 45-year-old is already underway.

Eddie Howe reacts Elliott Dickman’s departure

Howe won’t have a say on who the club’s academy, headed by Steve Harper and supported by sporting director Dan Ashworth, appoint but it’s a decision he’s backed them to get right

“(It’s a) key appointment for the club. I’m not part of that process,” said Howe, speaking after United’s frustrating goalless draw with Leeds.

“I certainly wish Elliott all the best for the future and trust the club will make the right decision.”

Dickman left Sunderland after 26 years as a youth player and coach to become Newcastle’s Under-21s Lead Player Development Coach last October, not long after the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia completed their takeover of the club.

The search for Dickman’s successor is underway

Head of Coach Development Neil Winskill will oversee under-21s training before Dickman’s successor is found.

“Newcastle United can announce that its Under-21s Lead Player Development Coach Elliott Dickman has left the club,” a club statement read.

“The club thanks Elliott for his hard work and professionalism during his 14 months at the Academy and wishes him well for the future.

“The club has made a number of changes across the Professional Development Phase of its Academy in recent months.

“Graeme Carrick was appointed as Under-18s coach in August and was joined by assistant Chris Moore, with Peter Ramage moving to support Shola Ameobi as Loan Player Coordinator.

“Meanwhile, former under-18s assistant coach Ian Bogie returned to his role as Under-15s/16s lead coach, while Under-21s assistant Kevin Richardson left the club in October.

“The Academy’s Head of Coach Development, Neil Winskill, will oversee Under-21s’ training before the club confirms its new Under-21 coaching line-up in due course.”