Newcastle United are reportedly interested in bringing Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson to the club as a replacement for Paul Mitchell.
The news came as a shock to many fans, but it appears to be for the best. Paul Mitchell’s imminent departure from Newcastle United means that PIF now have to find his successor in the middle of an extremely important transfer window.
Newcastle fans want Steve Nickson to take over from Mitchell, but it appears PIF have another option on their mind.
Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson has emerged as a candidate for Newcastle. The 41-year-old has impressed with some of his signings since joining the club in 2023, with the likes of Anthony Elanga and Nikola Milenkovic joining the club for bargain transfer fees.
Additionally, Geordie Boot Boys understand Brentford’s Phil Giles is a contender for Newcastle’s sporting director job, but Wilson remains the leading candidate with a good amount of support from inside the club.
With Wilson looking like he could join Newcastle this summer, Steven Gerrard, who nearly joined the Magpies in 2021 has already shared a glowing verdict on him.
Steven Gerrard loved working with Newcastle United-linked Ross Wilson
In a different timeline, Steven Gerrard would have become the manager of Newcastle post-takeover, and the club may not have seen as much success as they have under Eddie Howe.
Steve Bruce recommended Gerrard to Amanda Staveley as he was being sacked by them in 2021, and the Liverpool legend was thought to be on their list of transfer targets. However, it is evident that appointing Howe was the right decision in the end.
Even though he did not become manager, Newcastle officials should still listen to the glowing review of Wilson from Gerrard when he was appointed as Rangers’ director of football in 2019.
Speaking to Sky Sports about Wilson’s appointment, Gerrard said: “I am really looking forward to working alongside Ross. He has done a fantastic job at Southampton.
“It has given me time to find out more about him, how he works and have some really detailed conversations so we can’t wait to start the relationship. It is only around the corner so that is fantastic news for the club.”
A short time later, Wilson received even more praise from Gerrard for his attitude. The Liverpool legend added: “Ross, who I must say has come in with a bundle of energy and with great knowledge.
“I am sure he will be a big support to me and my staff moving forward. It is a good time, an exciting time and we need to keep pushing.”
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Newcastle United must get the next sporting director appointment right
Mitchell seemed to struggle with building relationships at Newcastle. The 43-year-old was not thought to be a massively popular figure on the training ground, despite his good reputation.
In his announcement, it was suggested that Darren Eales’ departure was a likely reason why Mitchell is leaving Newcastle. The club CEO brought him to the club, but his imminent exit was clearly the last straw for Mitchell.
Now, it is so important that Newcastle get this next appointment right. The club has already gone through two sporting directors, with Dan Ashworth the first to join before Mitchell’s appointment, and they are now left to fend for themselves.
Without a sporting director, Newcastle risk being left behind by their rivals and slipping further down the Premier League table. Howe wants a hand in the transfer business, but he must understand that his role is to influence performances on the pitch.
Wilson has the experience to do a good job at Newcastle, but it remains to be seen whether he gets the offer to join.
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