Pandemonium has ensued at Newcastle United after reports that sporting director Paul Mitchell has left the club with immediate effect.
It had been announced that the 43-year-old was to leave at the end of June and that the club are looking for his replacement. However, that does not appear to be the case.
Reports have claimed that Paul Mitchell has now agreed to leave Newcastle United two weeks before his planned departure, leaving Andy Howe, nephew of Eddie Howe, to step up and work alongside the Magpies’ head of recruitment Steve Nickson.
Newcastle fans wanted Nickson to replace Mitchell when he finally left, and it looks like that will be the case for the short term at least. PIF have hired Nolan Partners to front the search for a new sporting director, and several names have already been linked.
Ross Wilson is the preferred candidate at Newcastle, while it has just been confirmed that Julian Ward, Liverpool’s technical director, is another shortlisted for the role. Additionally, Geordie Boot Boys were informed that Brentford’s Phil Giles is also one to look out for at Newcastle.
With Mitchell confirmed to be leaving Newcastle, fans have shared their honest views about the saga on social media.
Newcastle United fans pleased by Paul Mitchell’s immediate departure
The whole appointment looks to have been one major mistake from Newcastle, who are now left searching around for a new sporting director just two days after the transfer window reopened.
It is not a good look for the club at all, and fans are well aware of it. Speaking on the social media platform X, Newcastle fans are pleased to see Mitchell go.
“Good Riddance to him, always said he and Howe wouldn’t get on and Mitchell wouldn’t last .. Glad Nickson is involved in recruitment,” said one fan, while another added: “Another shocker led by Eales. The sooner he goes the better!”
This fan also mentioned Darren Eales’ imminent departure, saying: “Hopefully Eales follows him very soon. His record on sponsorships is abysmal!”
“Mitchell looking like NUFCs worst signing since the takeover. Useless.”
“This either speeds up transfers or slows them down even longer. Love Newcastle United I do.” said this disappointed Newcastle fan.
Another fan added: “Great news. Mitchell’s time here has been a disaster and a detriment to the club.”
Finally, this Newcastle fan said: “Good news, also says in the report that Andy Howe was involved in the signings of Bruno, Livramento, Tonali and Gordon so more than capable.”
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Newcastle United need to trust Steve Nickson and Andy Howe after Paul Mitchell’s exit
Now Mitchell appears to be gone, the responsibility now lies with Andy Howe and Nickson, but that should not worry Newcastle fans one bit.
The pair have extensive experience working the transfer market and have brought in some of Newcastle’s best players in recent memory. The likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali were transfers fronted by Howe and Nickson, so they have a great eye for talent.
Mitchell leaves Newcastle without making a single signing for the first team. PSR problems were a catalyst for that, but fans expected much more from someone with his pedigree.
Despite that, fans can thank Mitchell for bringing players like Antonio Cordero and Kyle Fitzgerald to the club. The latter of which has hit the ground running on Tyneside.
With Newcastle able to spend at least £150m this summer, the pressure is on Andy Howe and Nickson to deliver for Eddie Howe.
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