Newcastle United appoints Paul Mitchell as new sporting director

Newcastle United appoints of Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director after Dan Ashworth’s departure to Manchester United. Mitchell, who has extensive experience in scouting and club development, is set to bring his expertise to Newcastle, aiming to drive the club towards long-term success.

Paul Mitchell has held significant roles at several top clubs, including Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig, and Monaco. He takes over from Ashworth, whose move to Manchester United was confirmed earlier this week after months of negotiations.

Darren Eales, Newcastle CEO, expressed his excitement about the appointment of Paul Mitchell by saying;

"We are delighted to welcome Paul to Newcastle United. He brings a successful track record and wealth of experience to the club. His extensive and diverse experience in football leadership, cultural change, and recruitment means he is the ideal person to lead our sporting directorate. We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him in our pursuit of long-term, sustainable success."

- Darren Eales, Newcastle CEO

Newcastle United appoints Paul Mitchell as new sporting director

Mitchell, 42, began his football career as a professional player with clubs like Wigan and MK Dons. Unfortunately, an injury cut his playing career short, prompting him to move into off-field roles. He started as the chief scout at MK Dons before joining Southampton in 2012. At Southampton, he worked closely with manager Mauricio Pochettino and followed him to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014, where he became the head of recruitment. During his time at Tottenham, he was instrumental in signing players such as Dele Alli and Son Heung-min.

After his successful stint at Tottenham, Mitchell joined the Red Bull group, contributing to the success of both RB Leipzig and New York Red Bulls. In 2020, he was appointed as Monaco’s sporting director, where he continued to build his reputation. Mitchell has been linked with top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United in the past, highlighting his significant standing in football.

Mitchell is proud and excited to join Newcastle United. He said via the official website;

"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 fanbase, 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."

- Paul Mitchell

With Paul Mitchell at the helm as the new sporting director, Newcastle United fans have high hopes for the club's future. His vast experience and proven track record in football management and recruitment are expected to bring fresh ideas and strategies to the club. As Newcastle aims for long-term success, Mitchell’s leadership will be crucial in achieving their goals and strengthening the team's position in the Premier League.

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