Newcastle United confirm surprise departure of long-serving coach

Newcastle United have confirmed Simon Smith is leaving his role as head of goalkeeping after a combined 12 years of service.

Smith re-joined the Magpies’ coaching set-up in 2015 having previously worked under Ruud Gullit and Sir Bobby Robson between 1999 and 2004.

The 59-year-old, who enjoyed roles with the Canadian Soccer Association, LA Galaxy and English FA, returned to St James’ Park under Steve McClaren before being retained by Rafael Benitez, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe.

Smith was absent from United’s pre-season camps in Austria and Portugal, with his departure now confirmed by the Magpies.

Smith said: “It has been a great privilege to work for Newcastle United Football Club and I have hugely enjoyed the many opportunities I’ve had to work with our first team goalkeepers throughout the years.

“I will continue watching and supporting the team and wish them every success for the future as I look forward to new challenges ahead.”

It was only in March when Smith was promoted to head of goalkeeping with Adam Bartlett handed a goalkeeping role within Howe’s backroom team.

Bartlett will continue to work with the United’s goalkeepers Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie after Smith’s exit.

The 36-year-old had been involved in the academy, where he was once a player, during the latter stages of his playing days before stepping up to under-23s goalkeeping coach when he retired in 2019.

Bartlett enjoyed a successful non-league career, which saw him represent the likes of Blyth, Gateshead, Hartlepool United, Darlington and York City across a 14-year period.

After making a number of key backroom changes since his arrival as head coach, Howe was eager to add an additional goalkeeping coach to his team.

NewcastleWorld understands Bartlett was recommended to Howe by figures behind the scenes.