Newcastle United are on the hunt for a new sporting director, with Paul Mitchell set to leave the club this month.
Mitchell lasted less than a year at Newcastle United and has not yet made a major signing.
Now, the search for a replacement is on. Geordie Boot Boys understands that Brentford’s Phil Giles is a target for Newcastle, although it remains to be seen if they can convince him to come to St James’ Park.
Giles is a Newcastle supporter, so would appear to be a relatively natural fit.
Still, he’s not the name being linked with the post. According to The Daily Mail, Liverpool technical director Julian Ward is an option.
Ward worked with Jurgen Klopp at Anfield, so it’s worth looking at what the German made of him.
What Jurgen Klopp said about Julian Ward amid Newcastle United links
Speaking back in 2020, Klopp said Ward was doing an “incredible” job.
He told the Liverpool Echo: “If you have to go on loan, the best thing that can happen to you is that you have a contract with Liverpool because then Jules is looking after you.
“He travels a lot, he used to when travelling was allowed, and he is in constant contact – the players themselves would say the same, so that’s really good on a personal basis.
“Jules is doing an incredible job and that’s very helpful for us and for the players as well.”
What Newcastle United plan to do after Paul Mitchell leaves
In the interim, Newcastle could turn to head of recruitment Steve Nickson to oversee matters in the transfer market. With the window open now, he may need to act quickly. He, along with Eddie Howe’s nephew Andy Howe, may be in charge of recruitment until a successor for Mitchell is appointed.
Newcastle could promote Nickson, who is highly-rated behind the scenes at the club.
Indeed, Nickson has signed some great players for Newcastle, who have not actually operated with a sporting director for much of the PIF era.
At some point, however, they need to find a long-term sporting director. There’s been far too much change in that role, with Dan Ashworth not lasting long until Mitchell replaced him.
Based on Klopp’s comments, Ward would be arriving with some decent pedigree.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
