Official statement confirms second Newcastle United exit in four weeks

The Magpies have confirmed that Ben Dawson has joined Steve Cooper’s backroom team at Premier League counterparts Leicester City, bringing an end to his 10 year stay on Tyneside.

Dawson initially joined the club's academy as a Professional Development Coach in 2014 and has served as under-21s Lead Coach - previously guiding the youngsters to the finals of the Premier League Cup and the Premier League 2 Division Two play-offs - and Academy Head of Coaching.

Since 2021, Dawson has held the role of First Team Development Coach. The role saw him work closely Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, bringing the club's first team and academy closer together and enhancing the club's talent pathway.

Steve Harper, Newcastle’s Academy Director, said: "Ben has been an important part of the Academy here for over a decade and has played a key role in the development of many players.

"I'm delighted that Ben has the opportunity to work in the first team at Leicester City. This development is testament to his work ethic and to the excellent coach development work at our Academy, supported by Ben, Neil Winskill and, more recently, Jack Ross.

"We all thank Ben for his excellent contribution to academy life at Newcastle United and wish him the best of luck with his coaching journey."

United are also searching for an under-18s boss after Graeme Carrick left to join brother Michael at Middlesbrough last month.

Newcastle says they will “announce appointments to academy coaching positions in due course.”