Newcastle United make key appointment after two major departures

Newcastle United sporting director Ross Wilson has appointed an assistant.

Jack Ross has been promoted to Assistant Sporting Director at Newcastle United. The appointment comes after two key departures from the recruitment team this month.

Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson joined Championship side Wrexham as their sporting director, while senior football executive Andy Howe, nephew of former head coach Eddie Howe, left the club after the summer transfer window closed.

Ross previously reported into sporting director Ross Wilson in his most recent role as Head of Football Strategy, but has now stepped up to directly assist his fellow Scotsman, who also happens to hail from Falkirk.

Jack Ross, Head of Football Strategy at Newcastle United, with Steve Harper, Academy Director of Newcastle United, before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Hull City at St James' Park on September 19, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)placeholder image
Jack Ross, Head of Football Strategy at Newcastle United, with Steve Harper, Academy Director of Newcastle United, before the Premier League 2026/27 match between Newcastle United and Hull City at St James' Park on September 19, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) | Getty Images

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Jack Ross promoted at Newcastle United

Announcing his new position on LinkedIn, Ross said: “I am excited to share that I have moved to the position of Assistant Sporting Director at Newcastle United Football Club.”

The 50-year-old, who managed Sunderland in League One between 2018 and 2019, initially joined Newcastle’s academy as Head of Coach Development in March 2023 before moving into the role of Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships.

In July last year, Ross was appointed as Head of Football Strategy, a role described as “an important leadership role that will help to develop a consistent sporting philosophy” across the men’s, women’s and academy teams.

Ross has also been responsible for “building strategic relationships with other clubs, introducing new football development and talent pathway opportunities in the UK and overseas”, as well as overseeing the club’s player loan and emerging talent strategy.

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