Former Eddie Howe player’s exit confirmed ahead of imminent Newcastle United move

Eddie Howe is set to add Shwan Jalal to his Newcastle United backroom team. The 39-year-old has been head of goalkeeping at Stockport County since March 2021 but the League Two side confirmed last night that Jalal has agreed to join an unnamed Premier League club.

The team is understood to be Newcastle, where Jalal will reunite with Howe, who he played under at Bournemouth, after Saturday’s clash against Salford City. “It has been a privilege to work at Stockport County,” Jalal said. “The chance to move to a Premier League club is one that I could not turn down.

“I want to say a big thank you to the people I work with at Carrington and Edgeley Park on a daily basis. They create a fantastic environment that will only see the Club go from strength to strength on and off the pitch.

“The celebrations with my family, staff, players, and fans after clinching the National League title last season will stay with me forever. I wish the club every success now and in the future.”

Jalal is expected to work alongside Adam Bartlett, who was recently promoted to the club’s head of goalkeeping after Simon Smith’s surprise exit in the summer.

Stockport thanked Jalal “for his service to the club over the last few years, culminating in helping us achieve promotion back to the Football League last season – we all wish him the best of luck with the next step in his career.”