It has not taken Eddie Howe long to impress Ross Wilson at Newcastle United.
It has been almost two months since Ross Wilson became Newcastle United sporting director, tasked with bringing calm behind the scenes after the challenging Paul Mitchell era.
It is vital that Ross Wilson and Eddie Howe have a strong relationship at St James’ Park, and the early signs are promising.
That is according to the new Newcastle United chief, who has been taken aback by Howe during his first few weeks in the job.
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Ross Wilson blown away by Eddie Howe’s hard work at Newcastle United
Wilson has spoken about the Newcastle United manager during an interview with the Athletic.
He has showered Howe with praise, admitting he has an ‘unbelievable work ethic’ and is very much an ‘elite manager’.
“I’ve only worked with Eddie for six weeks but I can already see that he is an elite manager at the top of his game, at a club he totally understands and can handle the pressure and expectations,” he said.
“I always thought I was a hard worker and then you see this guy and think, ‘Jesus…’ He has an unbelievable work ethic and is meticulous in his detail and planning. It means the world to him. He gives everything and on the grass he just loves it. He looks so at home placing demands on these players but the rapport he has with them is top.
“I am firmly of the belief that without high levels of emotional intelligence it is very difficult to truly succeed in any elite role now in football and he has that in abundance. He is an incredible people person.”
It is up to Ross Wilson to make Eddie Howe’s job easier at Newcastle United
Eddie Howe has worked wonders at Newcastle United. He has taken the club from relegation certainties to trophy winners and Champions League competitors.
That is why PIF love Howe, with the Toon boss pretty much untouchable at St James’ Park.
The club is engineered to be successful under him, which is part of Wilson’s remit as sporting director.
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“We have tried to utilise the foreign market without probably having the expertise in previous seasons that we need to make consistently good decisions in those markets.
“I think Ross will give us all of that. I think he will use his vast experience and build up his team and his method of work.”
Eddie Howe on Ross Wilson’s impact in the transfer market
He must work closely with Howe, giving him all the tools to make his job a little bit easier. That will come in terms of recruitment, with Wilson changing Newcastle’s transfer strategy.
The club intend to take a few more risks in the transfer market, targeting younger players with high ceilings. With that in mind, Newcastle are looking at Kees Smit and Kevin Danois as potential midfield recruits.
Wilson will also be tasked with keeping Howe’s star players committed to the club. Newcastle want Sven Botman and Tino Livramento to sign new contracts, and it will be up to Wilson to get those deals over the line.
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