Ross Wilson has already got off to a better start at Newcastle United than Paul Mitchell

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Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Ross Wilson as their new CEO and he’s already got off to a better start than Paul Mitchell.

It might be an international break but it’s still been an eventful Saturday for Newcastle United, who confirmed the long-awaited appointment of Ross Wilson.

Newcastle paid Wilson’s release clause at Nottingham Forest – who wanted to keep the executive – to recruit him as the club’s new sporting director.

Paul Mitchell’s sudden departure in early June left Newcastle without a sporting director in the transfer window and they struggled as a result.

Eddie Howe had to watch on as Newcastle missed out on several top targets, while the Alexander Isak saga threw the summer into turmoil.

But now Newcastle can begin to look forward with the appointment of Wilson, who signed 43 players during his two-year Forest stint, many of whom have been a resounding success.

Wilson has already put a strong first step forward with his opening statement, which stands him in much better stead than Mitchell’s did when he joined in 2024.

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Ross Wilson’s first words at Newcastle United compared to Paul Mitchell’s, it’s already looking better

In his first statement as a Newcastle employee, Wilson said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United.

“This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.

“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson.

“The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together.

“I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department.

“There’s already excellent work being done here and, from the first team to the women’s team and academy, my aim is to build on that, strengthen our structures over time, and work with our staff to create environments where players and staff can continue to thrive.”

The fact that Wilson has already been in ‘regular contact’ with manager Howe puts him in a much better position than his predecessor.

Mitchell and Howe never saw eye to eye on football strategy, with the manager wanting to be far more involved in decision-making, especially with recruitment, than Mitchell had planned.

Newcastle were unable to sign a senior player during Mitchell’s stint in charge due to PSR restrictions but the rift between the pair ensured the relationship was never one to last.

With Newcastle aware that the England job will likely become available in 2026 and Howe will be a prime candidate, they are doing all they can to appease him so he stays at St. James’ Park.

Hiring a sporting director that Howe can work alongside is certainly a positive step towards that goal.

It’s telling when you contrast Wilson’s first words at Newcastle with Mitchell’s, who didn’t mention Howe in his welcome address.

Mitchell said when he was hired on July 4 2024: “It’s with immense pride that I accept the responsibility of being Newcastle United’s new sporting director.

“I’ve seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fan base, made the decision to join an easy one.

“I can’t wait to get started and help continue the organisation’s growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance.”

David Hopkinson excited about Ross Wilson appointment

David Hopkinson arrived at Newcastle in September in another big executive appointment, joining as the club’s new CEO.

Hopkinson replaced the departing Darren Eales, who stepped down due to health reasons, and agreeing a deal to bring Wilson in was his first big task.

Unsurprisingly, he is very happy with the appointment. He said: “I am delighted to welcome Ross to Newcastle United.

“His experience and expertise immediately strengthen us, and his appointment is another important step forward in our journey.

“Ross has a track record of delivering strategic change. He has instilled processes and built relationships that have helped his clubs to win and grow, and he has demonstrated his ability to enhance talent pathways and integrate women’s football into the same high-performing culture.

“We are looking forward to working with him as we build towards our ambitions for long-term sustainable success.”