Newcastle United eye new appointment as Eddie Howe considers possible reunion

Eddie Howe plans to replace Simon Smith following his departure as Newcastle United’s Head of Goalkeeping last month.

Smith spent a total of 12 years across two spells at St James’ Park, first working under Ruud Gullit and Sir Bobby Robson between 1999 and 2004 before returning in 2015 under Steve McClaren.

The 59-year-old was retained by Rafa Benitez, Steve Bruce and Howe until deciding to vacate his role at the end of July.

As it stands Adam Bartlett, who was promoted from the club’s academy set up to work closely with Smith last season, is leading sessions with Nick Pope, Martin Dubravka, Karl Darlow and Mark Gillespie.

Indeed, the process to find a replacement for Smith is well underway, as confirmed by Howe ahead Sunday’s Premier League clash with Manchester City.

“Yeah, we will look to bring someone in, for sure,” the Magpies head coach said. “How that position looks, I don’t know at this moment in time.

“I think we’ve advertised to try and bring the best person into the football club.

“I’d like to pay tribute to the work Simon did over many years, he was outstanding for the club.

“It’s very sad that he’s left but hopefully we can find the right person to fill his position.”

One name that has been linked with filling the position is former Bournemouth goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, as per The Times’ Martin Hardy.

The 39-year-old, current goalkeeping coach at League Two side Stockport County, spent six years on the South Coast between 2008 and 2014, including Howe was Cherries manager.