Newcastle United will be taking note of what Jeffrey Schlupp has just said about Dougie Freedman, who is being linked with becoming the Magpies’ next sporting director.
Behind the scenes at St James’ Park, the Newcastle United owners are preparing to make a major hire. They are aiming to appoint a new sporting director by the end of May, with Dan Ashworth set to head to Manchester United.
The former FA chief has been poached by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and will head to Old Trafford once compensation is agreed.
In the meantime, Newcastle are looking for his replacement, and are planning to appoint someone soon. The search is heading towards its conclusion, with Paul Mitchell the frontrunner for the job.
He is interested in the role at St James’ Park, and would be a high profile choice to replace Ashworth.
Newcastle interested in Dougie Freedman
But another contender is Dougie Freedman. The Daily Mail broke the news last week, with their report stating that the 49-year-old is on the Magpies’ shortlist.
Geordie Boot Boys also believe that is the case, with Freedman seemingly making a good impression courtesy of his impressive work at Selhurst Park.
His recruitment record at Crystal Palace is very impressive, and he has actually been praised for his role by current Palace player Jeffrey Schlupp.
What Jeffrey Schlupp has said about Dougie Freedman
In an interview with Crystal Palace’s official website, Schlupp has spoke about the young squad that Freedman has helped assemble at Selhurst Park.
“We have a much younger squad, and Dougie [Freedman] and the team have done so well in bringing in these quality young players,” he said.
“I think the time is coming now to where those players are going to start getting into their peaks. It’s a very, very exciting future ahead.
“There are a few players now that have been here for three or four years and you have seen them get to the beginning of their primes. You’ve got T [Tyrick Mitchell], you’ve got Michael [Olise], you’ve got Ebs [Eze]. Those young boys are stepping into that 24 or 25-years-old age group, which is normally the beginning of your peak. It’s great to see.”
Newcastle saw this firsthand last week
Newcastle are considering a move for Freedman, and saw firsthand last week what his recruitment efforts can result in.
Crystal Palace played the Magpies off the park last week, with one of Freedman’s best signings proving to be the best player on the pitch. Eberechi Eze was outstanding, and reminded Newcastle of how they missed out on him.
Scott Wharton was also exceptional – another player who was linked with a move to Newcastle.
But it was Freedman who took the punt to bring him to the Premier League, and it is already paying off.
Palace suddenly look like a much better team, with the young players Freedman has brought in playing in a system that gets the best out of them. It is an indication of what he could bring to Newcastle United, and how he could help Eddie Howe take the Magpies even further.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
