Among the extensive list of issues that Newcastle United have faced this season, struggling at set-pieces is one of them despite the summer appointment of Martin Mark.
In July, Newcastle United confirmed the arrival of Mark as their new first team set-piece coach.
Mark is part of the Newcastle United coaching staff and while these are still early days in his time at the club, set-pieces have been an issue at times.
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While it’s not as if Eddie Howe’s side are utterly dreadful at them, fans will surely have been frustrated to watch so many corners wasted, as well as some lax Toon defending going the other way.
With that in mind, a job advert posted by the club is particularly interesting.
Newcastle United post job advert for new set-piece analyst with January 16 deadline
Indeed, Newcastle United’s official website posted a job advert looking for a new set-piece analyst.
The successful applicant will “deliver outstanding, evidence-based, video and data-driven analysis with a specialised focus on set pieces” and work alongside the current coaching staff.
A deadline of Friday, January 16, 2026 has been set for those looking to apply.
Part of the role, which the club describe as “integral” will be to “support the Coaching Staff in delivering set piece content during training, including organising support staff and players.”
Newcastle United’s set-piece record in the Premier League this season
According to WhoScored data, Newcastle have scored eight goals from set-pieces this season – which sees them rank seventh in the Premier League.
Defensively, they have conceded eight times too, ranking them eighth.
Though there are plenty of teams with a worse set-piece record this season, it is hardly a ringing endorsement of what they’re currently doing with such opportunities.
Considering this has been a season which has so far been defined by the use of set-pieces and long throws, it does feel as if Newcastle are missing a trick here.
Hopefully, the appointment of a new analyst helps.
Howe has refused to criticise Mark’s work as Newcastle’s set-piece coach and vowed to take the responsibility on himself.
That is indicative of the Newcastle United manager but even the top coaches in the world need help from their support staff.
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