Eddie Howe consolidates Newcastle United power as 41 y/o appointment close

Eddie Howe is understood to have played a hands-on role in appointing Newcastle United’s sporting director.

For the second summer running, the St James’ Park boardroom was sent into disarray as Paul Mitchell announced his exit after one season. The former Monaco chief was unable to sign any player and endured a fractured relationship with Howe.

This disrupted Newcastle’s transfer preparations and, just 39 days before the window closes, Anthony Elanga remains the only first-team signing. That has not been due to a lack of effort, with the Magpies facing several brutal rejections throughout the summer.

Many have pointed towards a lack of experience in the boardroom as a reason behind Newcastle’s failures. Andy Howe, Eddie’s nephew, and Steve Nickson, the long-serving head of recruitment, are fronting the transfer charge on an interim basis.

Ross Wilson the Newcastle United front-runner

The Magpies are thought to be close to announcing Mitchell’s successor. Nottingham Forest supremo Ross Wilson is the front-runner following his work at the City Ground over the past two seasons.

An influx of incomings and outgoings since Premier League promotion in 2023 resulted in the Tricky Trees qualifying for Europe last season. Wilson arrived having been under the cosh at Rangers for his hit-and-miss signings.

His time at Ibrox did see the Gers win their 55th league title under Steven Gerrard and reach the Europa League final. The Athletic claim Newcastle are yet to make an official approach but Wilson is the No.1 target.

Eddie Howe power clear at St James’ Park

Any major appointment at Newcastle does not get the go-ahead with the Public Investment Fund’s approval. However, Jamie Reuben and, most interestingly, Howe, are thought to have been involved in the process.

There is a concerted effort not to have a repeat of last year when Mitchell caused tension soon after his arrival by exploding on the club’s recruitment methods. Wilson and Howe are thought to have a solid relationship, hence his status as the leading candidate.

Howe - just as he was at Bournemouth - has a big say on the comings and goings at Newcastle. Any sporting director would need to fit into the current structure rather than rip up the existing setup.

Eddie Howe on Paul Mitchell exit

Speaking at the weekend, Howe admitted he was left in the dark about Mitchell’s shock exit. He told reporters: “My phone exploded (when the news of Mitchell’s departure broke),” said Howe, who will head to the Far East with Newcastle’s first-team squad this week ahead of friendlies in Singapore and South Korea.

“I was enjoying the second day of my holiday, and that quickly went sour. Suddenly, I was like, ‘Oh’. It was the second day, and I didn’t know. It was a complete surprise to me, and a big disappointment because we had stability.

“We were planning the summer ahead, and then that’s a big upheaval that we’ve been in before with Dan Ashworth leaving. I’ve experienced it before, and I know the cost that that departure comes with. It wasn’t a good couple of days on holiday.”

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