Why Steve Nickson has been left frustrated at Newcastle ever since Paul Mitchell arrived

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Paul Mitchell is changing the way Newcastle United operate behind the scenes.

The 43-year-old became the Newcastle United sporting director earlier this summer, arriving at St James’ Park on July 4th as Dan Ashworth’s successor.

He arrived with a brilliant reputation for recruitment, but is yet to show that off on Tyneside. His first summer transfer window ended with no major signings, yet Mitchell still thinks Newcastle are good enough to qualify for Europe.

The Toon chief has stated that the Magpies’ previous transfer strategy was not fit for purpose, resulting in Simon Jordan criticising Mitchell for his comments.

It felt as if Paul Mitchell was not taking full responsibility for what had gone on at Newcastle United this summer, as he begins to implement his vision of how things should be done.

Steve Nickson has less power since Paul Mitchell joined Newcastle

The hope is that Mitchell will lead Newcastle towards glory in the coming years, but the initial changes he is making are not going down well with everyone at St James’ Park.

That is according to the Daily Mail, who report that head of recruitment Steve Nickson is frustrated about the way his job has changed since the arrival of Mitchell.

They report that Nickson has less responsibility at St James’ Park now that Mitchell is sporting director, with his role being ‘diluted’.

However, the Daily Mail add that Nickson still intends to stay at Newcastle United and has no desire to leave.

Steve Nickson was a contender to be Newcastle’s sporting director

During the first few transfer windows after the takeover, Nickson’s reputation was seriously enhanced. He helped Newcastle complete some major deals, with his eye for talent playing a key role in helping the Magpies achieve what they did.

With Nickson no longer held back by the financial limitations of the Mike Ashley regime, he was finally beginning to spread his wings as a recruiter.

But now his role is starting to change, as Mitchell sets about bringing in his own recruitment agenda. That is no surprise, given the reputation he boasts in the art of buying and selling players.

However, it could be to the detriment of Nickson, who was actually a contender to become Newcastle’s new sporting director after it emerged that Dan Ashworth would be leaving to join Manchester United.

Geordie Boot Boys were told in March that Amanda Staveley was interested in giving Nickson the job. The Daily Mail also add that Nickson has been completing the courses required to actually become a sporting director.

But Newcastle looked further afield and brought in Mitchell, which appears to be hindering Nickson’s talents. That is a major shame, and hopefully he is still able to influence Newcastle’s recruitment whilst implementing Mitchell’s new strategy.