‘Natural collaboration’ - Newcastle United chief breaks silence on Eddie Howe relationship amid England links

Paul Mitchell believes he can strike a winning formula with Eddie Howe at Newcastle United - despite England speculation.

Reports have linked the Toon boss with the vacant Three Lions hot seat following Gareth Southgate’s resignation. Many high-profile voices within the media have called upon the FA to approach Howe.

The news comes a fortnight after Newcastle appointed former Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Monaco chief Mitchell as sporting director. His arrival came once the Magpies agreed a compensation package with Manchester United for Dan Ashworth.

Howe’s relentless managerial style was one of the key factors behind Mitchell making the St James’ Park switch. Speaking to the club’s media channel, the 42-year-old opened up about his relationship with Howe amid reports linking him with England.

“I think it’s fair to say Eddie did his apprenticeship on the south coast,” Mitchell said. “I did mine in Milton Keynes but my university finishing school in Southampton. Eddie was building what was a great job in Bournemouth while I was helping Southampton.

“We know each other. We were raised in football through the south coast. We have a tremendous amount of respect and I see Eddie and I see our ways of working being a natural collaboration. 

“He is one of the motivations to come here. It’s (our relationship) going to be tremendously successful. You see Eddie’s qualities: impressive on the grass, his player development and CV. 

“That fits nicely with my recruitment CV. We recognise players with potential, but then you can extract that potential through great coaching every single day. That collaborative approach, bringing his strength and mine (together), I can only see a positive outcome to that.”