Newcastle United finally have some clarity on the sporting director front.
Indeed, after what felt like an eternity as Newcastle and Manchester United thrashed out a deal for the services of Dan Ashworth, there has been movement at last.
Ashworth has now moved to Old Trafford and is believed to have banked the Toon £10m as a result.
Not long after that was confirmed, PIF turned to Paul Mitchell as his replacement.
They are thought to have been delighted with his appointment and, interestingly, Eddie Howe isn’t said to have had any input.
That would suggest decision-makers at St James’ Park value Mitchell highly, meaning reports suggesting they will give him greater control over recruitment matters do indeed make sense.
Now, some further insight into a dramatic week has emerged.
How Newcastle owners are really feeling about the Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell saga
According to The Chronicle, the owners are confident they won the battle with Man United.
Rather than go through an arbitration battle over Ashworth, they have banked £10m all while appointing Mitchell, leaving them in a great position going forward.
Eddie Howe wants things to change at Newcastle
Howe is believed to have desired a more data-led approach to making signings at Newcastle, with the previous strategy being based off the opinions of their scouts.
Mitchell is understood to have worked with that kind of thing before, making the two – at least on paper – something of a perfect match.
Having come close to a points deduction during a frantic spell to try and comply with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules, it’ll be interesting to see where Newcastle go from here.
Now they are through that and have a sporting director in place, there should be a few reasons to be optimistic about a productive summer again.
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