Nottingham Forest are no longer able to call Ross Wilson their own, as he completed a move to Newcastle United on Saturday.
The move had been anticipated for a long time, but it is now official as Ross Wilson becomes Newcastle’s new sporting director.
He replaces Paul Mitchell at St James’ Park, who endured a difficult spell with the Magpies. He was at odds with Eddie Howe, and the hope is that the new sporting director will have a much better relationship with the Newcastle United manager.
Geordie Boot Boys understand that Forest are disappointed to lose Wilson, such was his importance at the City Ground.
Now a member of the Marinakis family has commented on Wilson’s move to Newcastle United.
Ross Wilson told ‘thank you’ after leaving Nottingham Forest
Following confirmation of Ross Wilson leaving Nottingham Forest for Newcastle United, Miltiadis Marinakis, who is the son of Forest owner Evangelos Marinakis, took to his official Instagram account to send a message to the new Toon chief.
Alongside a picture of himself on FaceTime with Wilson, Marinakis wrote: “One of the million video calls we had. We achieved great things together. You worked day and night for this club. Thank you for everything. Good luck @ross_wilson7.”
Miltiadis Marinakis has worked behind the scenes at Nottingham Forest, and clearly enjoyed a positive relationship with the 41-year-old.
But now Wilson is starting his new role at St James’ Park, where he will hope to have a similarly positive working relationship with members of the Newcastle United hierarchy.
The immediate contract decisions Ross Wilson must make at Newcastle United
There is an eagerness for Wilson to extend Sandro Tonali’s contract. That sentiment extends to Sven Botman and Tino Livramento, who are also deserving of new deals on Tyneside.
While it is vital that Newcastle tie that trio down to longer deals, there are other contract calls that are actually more pressing.
After joining Newcastle, Wilson has been met with a long list of players who are in the last year of their contract at St James’ Park.
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The biggest name on that list is Kieran Trippier, who is still incredibly important to Howe’s side despite recently turning 35. Geordie Boot Boys understand that Newcastle could offer Trippier a new deal, which would be wise given his start to the 2025/26 season.
Another key player in the final year of his deal is Nick Pope. The England international signed a four-year deal when he joined the club in 2022, but should receive an extension. Pope is performing exceptionally well, despite being put under pressure by Aaron Ramsdale’s arrival on loan from Southampton.
Fabian Schar is also in the last year of his Toon deal, and his decision over whether or not to remain at the club may depend on how much he plays between now and the end of the season. The Swiss centre-back has lost his place in the starting XI to Malick Thiaw, who is playing brilliantly since his £34million arrival from AC Milan.
The other expiring contracts that Wilson must address at Newcastle United include Jamaal Lascelles and Emil Krafth.
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