Report: Newcastle appoint Nick Hammond on temporary deal

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According to the Athletic, Newcastle United have appointed Nick Hammond ahead of the January transfer window.

It was recently claimed by the Daily Mail that the Magpies would be bringing in a temporary transfer consultant to aid their recruitment efforts next month. Meanwhile, the search for a full-time director of football would continue in the background.

Now Newcastle have made their move, with Hammond reportedly joining the club as a temporary consultant.

Hammond is 54-years-old, and has previously worked as a director of football for Celtic and Reading. He also operated as West Brom’s technical director for two years, working alongside ex-Toon boss Alan Pardew. That was hardly a golden spell for the Baggies…

Hammond had a similar role at Celtic where he started in a temporary capacity. However, he went on to get a full-time position in 2019.

But that reportedly won’t happen at Newcastle. The Athletic state that he is not in contention to become the Magpies’ DOF at the moment.

Huge job ahead for Nick Hammond at Newcastle

The January transfer window is going to be massive for Newcastle United and the new owners. It will likely be the difference between staying up or going down.

We need to get the recruitment right, and that’s why PIF and co have taken temporary measures.

Obviously they want a full-time director of football to lead the club, but it takes time to get the right man. That’s something the owners haven’t been afforded by the timing of the takeover and the club’s precarious position.

Therefore, Hammond is under huge pressure to lay the foundations for the future of Newcastle United. If he can help us make some key signings next month, he will have done his job.

The report states that the ex-Reading man will provide ‘counsel and expertise’ during the January transfer window. The Athletic add that he will be tasked with helping Newcastle sign a centre-back, full-back and a centre-midfielder who will effectively walk straight into our starting XI.

With a lot of cash to play with, Newcastle have the capacity to make the signings they need. Now it could be up to Hammond to ensure we make the right ones.

No pressure…