The summer transfer window is over, but that is not stopping Newcastle United from doing other business behind the scenes.
Newcastle made six senior signings this summer, with Nick Woltemade the biggest of the lot at £69million. That makes him Newcastle’s most expensive signing ever after a summer that saw the club splash out more than £250million.
There was also a major appointment behind the scenes. The club have finally replaced Darren Eales, with David Hopkinson joining as Newcastle United’s new chief executive officer.
Now another major hire is on the way, with the Magpies edging closer to appointing Paul Mitchell’s successor as sporting director.
Ross Wilson ‘not a million miles away’ from joining Newcastle United
Ross Wilson is expected to join Newcastle United as their new sporting director, with transfer expert Graeme Bailey providing Geordie Boot Boys with an update on his looming arrival from Nottingham Forest.
“He [Ross Wilson] is the one they want,” he said.
“I believe he will accept the role. It is a huge role, at the end of the day. He has been very settled at Nottingham Forest and done a fantastic job.
“From what I understand, this is not a million miles away. His appointment will be confirmed before January, although he might not have time to have a massive impact on that window. However, you already need to be planning for next summer.”
Ross Wilson will be Newcastle United’s ‘best signing’
Newcastle United’s history with sporting directors is not great.
It was a monumental moment when Dan Ashworth joined the club. He arrived from Brighton and put structures in place, setting Newcastle United up for the success they are now enjoying.
However, things turned sour when he chose to jump ship and join Manchester United. That situation was very messy, and it was all for nothing with Ashworth already leaving his role at Old Trafford.
Then came Paul Mitchell, who seriously rocked the boat at St James’ Park. Eddie Howe and Mitchell had a difficult relationship, and it ended when the latter left the club by mutual consent at the start of the summer.
Wilson is poised to be the club’s third sporting director since the PIF takeover, and Bailey has confidence that the former Rangers chief will be a success on Tyneside.
“He should work very well with Eddie Howe,” he said.
“They have similar views on football. He could be Newcastle’s best signing of the year.”
Bailey expects Wilson to work well with the Newcastle United manager, who was recently very vocal about his desire to work with a new sporting director. Earlier this month, Howe said was ‘desperate’ for a new sporting director to arrive. That wish could soon come true, and the hope will be that it is a match made in heaven.
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