Newcastle United drop new sporting director hint after Paul Mitchell bombshell
Newcastle United have confirmed Paul Mitchell is leaving his sporting director role after just 12 months.
Paul Mitchell will leave Newcastle United by mutual consent at the end of June.
Mitchell succeeded Dan Ashworth as sporting director in July last year, just days after the Magpies were forced to sell Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest, respectively, in order to comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
Mitchell, in his own words, walked into a “pre-defined strategy” as he failed to secure a major signing last summer. Mitchell was tasked with trying to sign Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi but was ultimately left frustrated by Steve Parish, who demanded “superstar money”.
In January, Mitchell sanctioned the sales of Miguel Almiron to Atalanta United and Lloyd Kelly to Juventus. Kelly joined United as a free agent last summer but after a limited number of appearances was loaned to the Italian giants with a £20million obligation to buy.
That has helped put Newcastle in a strong financial position heading into the summer transfer window. However, Mitchell won’t be there to oversee it after announcing his departure.
Paul Mitchell confirms Newcastle United exit
"I'd like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans,” Mitchell said.” It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.
"I'm leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales - someone who I have worked so closely with in my career - moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.
"I'd like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future."
Newcastle United sporting director hint?
In a statement released by the club, Newcastle thanked Mitchell for his “professionalism and diligent service” and wished him well for the future.
Interestingly though, the statement has no mention of commencing a search for a new sporting director, which could indicate a change of approach at boardroom level.
The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia have appointed two different sporting directors but neither has really worked out.
Ashworth joined from Brighton & Hove Albion in June 2022, however the move turned sour just 20 months later after he signalled his intention to join Manchester United.
He was placed on gardening leave in February last year following an approach from the Red Devils and it remained that way until July. But like Mitchell, Ashworth’s stint was short, leaving his role at Old Trafford after just five months in December.
Prior to going down the sporting director route, former co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi led a transfer team including Howe, Jason Tindall and head of recruitment Steve Nickson.