Eddie Howe shares the Newcastle signings he took ownership of after Paul Mitchell comments

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Newcastle United’s transfer strategy has been called into question of late.

Indeed, despite boasting one of the most expensive squads in world football, the recruitment strategy was described as not being fit for purpose by sporting director Paul Mitchell.

Those comments are believed to have upset people behind the scenes at St James’ Park, albeit there is an acceptance that the club may need to improve the data-led aspect of their recruitment policy.

Mitchell and Eddie Howe are said to have got off on the wrong foot and the Newcastle manager actually defended some of the signings he personally has taken ownership of during his time in the dugout.

Eddie Howe now names the Newcastle signings he loves to bits

Speaking on Friday after Mitchell’s comments, Howe highlighted Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, Nick Pope, Kieran Trippier and Alexander Isak as the signings he took ownership of.

“We can hold our heads up very high,’ said Howe (via the Daily Mail). ‘I took ownership of all those signings. They have been brilliant signings. We love them to bits.”

Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell are going to move forward at Newcastle

It certainly hasn’t been an easy start for Mitchell, who was said to have surprised staff behind the scenes with the bravado and bluster in his opening message to them following his arrival.

That doesn’t mean he’s not got the best interests of the club at heart, or that he cannot do the job.

The sporting director is central to the running of a modern day club and he simply has to establish himself as a leader, which cannot be easy when coming into a club who had been on an upward trajectory anyway.

Still, it’s clear that Newcastle need everyone singing from the same hymn sheet. Division, particularly between two important figures, will not get them anywhere.

Luckily, Howe and Mitchell have reportedly decided to put their differences behind them and move forward ahead of the January transfer window. That can only be a good thing for the club.