Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as the club’s new Technical Director.
Much has been made about the lack of structure behind the scenes at Newcastle of late. Indeed, Paul Mitchell left as sporting director earlier this summer, while CEO Darren Eales is set to leave once a successor is finally found.
All of this comes amid a backdrop of Newcastle struggling to make signings. Eddie Howe admits he’s not confident about making new signings this summer, albeit the Newcastle United manager remains hopeful on that front.
On Monday, however, the club moved to restore at least some order behind the scenes by appointing Gopaladesikan.
Newcastle United confirm Sudarshan Gopaladesikan appointment
The club have confirmed that Gopaladesikan will oversee the club’s football data operations while working closely with Howe.
He will help implement “data-informed” practices across the men’s team, the women’s team and the academy teams.
What impact that has on performance director James Bunce remains to be seen. Howe has enjoyed working with Bunce, who arrived under Mitchell last summer.
Still, speaking to Newcastle United’s official website, Gopaladesikan said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Newcastle United as Technical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with clubs that have deeply passionate fanbases, and Newcastle stands out for its unique connection between the team, the city and its supporters.
“I’m excited to work alongside the club’s talented staff to identify what helps give us a competitive edge. Most of all, I’m looking forward to experiencing the incredible matchday atmosphere at St. James’ Park and being part of this proud football family and community.”
Who is Sudarshan Gopaladesikan?
Based on Gopaladesikan’s LinkedIn history, it seems he made the move into working in football on a full-time basis back in 2017.
After leaving his job as a Program Manager at Microsoft, he joined Portuguese giants Benfica as Head of Sports Data Science.
That job lasted until the summer of 2022, when he moved to Atalanta to become their Director of Football Intelligence until he left earlier this month.
Gopaladesikan listed his focus areas in that role. They ranged from the transfer market, match analysis, player development and general evaluations around performance.
According to journalist Joel Bland on social media platform X, Gopaladesikan’s appointment begins the club’s desire “to integrate a more data-led approach to recruitment”.
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