Paul Mitchell leaves as Newcastle DoF by mutual consent within 12 months of taking charge at the Tyneside club.
Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell to leave club in shock exit.
Paul Mitchell will step down as Newcastle’s sports director at the end of June in an unexpected decision that appears to give Eddie Howe more influence over player acquisition.
Mitchell, who signed with the organisation in July of last year, is leaving by mutual consent without overseeing the acquisition of a significant first-team player. It would be an understatement to say that the 43-year-old and Howe did not click at first, but things progressively improved after the manager threatened to depart Tyneside last July if the newcomer questioned his autonomy too often.
Another setback occurred this autumn when Mitchell offered reporters a group interview in a car crash and claimed that Newcastle’s scouting operation was inadequate.
Even though Howe didn’t like that, the two of them eventually mediated a peace agreement that seemed to last. The manager, Mitchell, and the departing CEO, Darren Eales, met Newcastle’s chair, Yasir al-Rumayyan, and a delegation from the club’s Saudi Arabian owners, the kingdom’s Public Investment Fund, on Tyneside on Sunday night following the team’s 1-0 loss to Everton at St James’ Park, suggesting that the truce was still in place.
Despite that outcome, Newcastle earned a spot in the Champions League, and Howe was eager to coordinate a transfer plan with the team that had arrived from Riyadh.
Rather, the unexpected decision to split from Mitchell marked the end of the meeting. It has been suggested that he might be succeeded by the elevation of two important individuals who are now working in the recruitment department: Howe’s nephew Andy Howe and long-time employee Steve Nickson.
Eddie Howe has always insisted on having the last say in player acquisitions, and it appears that his hand has been considerably reinforced. Many Premier League managers no longer hold this position.
“I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley [the women’s team manager], the players, staff, owners and fans,” he 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.”