PIF could be forced to intervene at Newcastle as Paul Mitchell’s future is now in doubt

Add as preferred source on Google

It has been a significant summer of change at Newcastle United, even despite a lack of new faces.

Newcastle, of course, endured a slow summer transfer window, one so underwhelming it was publicly slammed by club legend Alan Shearer.

While they are not alone in that given spending was down across the Premier League, it was obviously hugely disappointing.

A lack of decisive action in the transfer market came after an overhaul behind the scenes, too.

Former directors Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left St James’ Park in news that was said to have hit head coach Eddie Howe particularly hard, considering they shared a productive relationship.

Such was their standing at the club, members of the first-team squad were reportedly bewildered about the dual departure.

Owners PIF also appointed Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director, with James Bunce coming in as performance director.

Mitchell did not enjoy a good first transfer window in the job and there are now suggestions he may not be sticking around long…

Paul Mitchell’s future at Newcastle is now in doubt

According to the print edition of The Sunday Sun (page 64 and 60 on 08/09/2024), Mitchell’s future at the club is now in doubt.

While decision-makers at the club want him to stay, sources close to Mitchell suggest he is unhappy and could opt to resign if relations behind the scenes do not improve.

One source suggests PIF could have to intervene, with CEO Darren Eales said to be trying to support both Howe and Mitchell.

Still, Mitchell is said to have got off on the wrong foot with Howe during their early conversations, with the latter reportedly feeling he was being told how his team should play.

Tensions then rose during the failed pursuit of Marc Guehi and Mitchell’s failure to say the club would fight to keep Howe should England come calling is believed to have ruffled some feathers.

The Paul Mitchell experiment has not worked at Newcastle

Mitchell is obviously only early into his time at Newcastle but things have not worked just out yet.

The transfer window was bitterly disappointing, while head of recruitment Steve Nickson is said to be frustrated about being side-lined since Mitchell’s arrival.

Perhaps, if he does stay, Mitchell will be able to deliver for Newcastle.

The early stages of his tenure, however, have not been hugely promising.