Newcastle United have confirmed that head of goalkeeping, Simon Smith, is leaving the club.
This brings to an end Smiths second spell with the club, re-joining in 2015 under Steve McClaren, after enjoying previous work under Sir Bobby and Ruud Gullit between 1999 and 2004.
Smith coached a 23-year-old Shay Given and 24-year-old Steve Harper when he first joined and leaves after several years of work with Martin Dubravka and Karl Darlow.
His career has spanned over two decades, working under Sir Bobby, Benitez and now Eddie Howe, but he’ll now be leaving the club – along with head physiotherapist Derek Wright – after missing pre-season camps in Austria and Portugal.
He has said: “It has been a great privilege to work for Newcastle United Football Club and I have hugely enjoyed the many opportunities I’ve had to work with our first team goalkeepers throughout the years.
“I will continue watching and supporting the team and wish them every success for the future as I look forward to new challenges ahead.”
In his absence, first team coach Adam Bartlett will continue to work with the Magpies’ goalkeepers.
All the best, Simon!
