At lunch time today, we were shocked by the news that Paul Mitchell will leave Newcastle United at the end of June.
What has gone on to reach that conclusion is not yet clear, but what happens next is of vital importance as we head into a huge summer for the club.
An update has emerged via The Athletic, who have been in contact with unnamed Newcastle representatives following today’s announcement.
Toon issue transfer message
Newcastle United’s recruitment plans will NOT be impacted by Paul Mitchell’s imminent departure.
Sources at Newcastle, who’ve been given anonymity by The Athletic to protect relationships, have stressed that clear transfer targets have already been identified in recruitment meetings in recent months.
Mitchell will therefore assist head of recruitment Steve Nickson and assistant Andy Howe over the next month, with much of the preparation work already done.
A snippet from The Athletic states: ‘Newcastle sources, speaking on the condition of anonymity to protect relationships, insist that recruitment will not be affected, with clear targets already identified in meetings, but Mitchell is a key negotiator and decision-maker.
‘Following Dan Ashworth’s departure in February 2024, this will be the fourth consecutive summer window in which a different figure is leading Newcastle’s summer strategy.
‘There is continuity within that department — such as head of recruitment Steve Nickson and his assistant Andy Howe — who will shoulder much of the load until a new appointment is made. Mitchell will support them until the end of June.’
Ornstein: Mitchell leaves on good terms
David Ornstein insists that Mitchell will depart with the ‘full respect’ of the Toon hierarchy, coaching staff and players, suggesting there has been no abrupt fallout.
The sudden nature of his exit after less than 12 months at the club has raised concerns, especially just days before we head into the first stage of a vital summer.
Hopefully this is part of a plan that works out well, with Orstein not expecting his exit to impact transfer plans.
He reports, ‘Mitchell leaves with the full respect of the hierarchy, technical team, coaching staff and players. His exit is not expected to impact the summer’s transfer business.’
Just what has this bloke done in his time here other than saying transfer policy not fit for purpose and rubbing people up the wrong way,time will tell but for me he is no great loss
Paul senior(Quote)
Time will tell, but if next year we are PSR hamstrung again with little saleable assets or academy players to step up then sticking with the old fashioned “manager manages everything” ethos may not be the best for the club.
Mitchell was right on one thing premiership ready players are expensive .
We all love special K but his total focus on the first team left us with no reserve team and the route from Wallsend boys club that gave us such hero’s withered.
The club should be looking to the future as well as the now.
dave m(Quote)
Mitchell was right about nowt and achieved nowt. As I said earlier, Eddie 1 Mitchell 0, final result.
davewallace(Quote)
Look giving full power is a really bad idea. He loves his favourites regardless if they perform or not. Like he wanted Kelly, he wasn’t used, so Mitchell got rid off him, which was a fantastic move. But Eddie wasn’t happy. He made sure Wilson stayed and what did he do all season big ZERO GOALS all season at 110k p/w. I’m sorry but we need someone who can control Eddie. Fantastic manager, but really fails at transfers
Wolfie(Quote)
This is a concern. I don’t think Eddie can bring in the same type of players as Mitchell or ash worth.
If the transfers aren’t done before he leaves this will impact the transfers, that’s a fact.
Dom(Quote)
Wolfie,
I admire your bravery, criticising the manager who has achieved NUFC’s best season – by far- in living memory within 2 days of the end of that season!
I do note you manage to call him “fantastic” at the same time, but your criticism of transfers is frankly laughable, unfortunately.
davewallace(Quote)
“This is almost 2 times this has happened” said an arab colleague, trying to stir the pot.
“So what you are saying is, this has never happened before”
This is the type of thing I remember from what seems like a lifetime working in the middle east. Silly comments from people who know nothing about the subject, but feel that because they are in a position of power ,they should show they are in charge, rather than leaving it to the person that they hired who is an expert in that particular field.
Think….”Dictator” and General Alladeen telling the Rocket Scientist that the rocket should have a pointy head because he saw it in a cartoon.
4th year in a row with a different person in charge of transfers.
Think about that.
When it comes to getting everyday tasks done, our club will have a load of PIF hangers on to deal with, all pitching in with their 2 riyals worth. It’s not easy to deal with, and there comes a time when you say, “nahh. Not for me”
Some people get to that point quicker than others.
BiffaDescartes(Quote)
Liverpool where lucky when slot replaced klopp who had the power .. so far .. but having a cult of personality and power concentrated in one person .. when they leave …often the system Collapses .. especially as Howe has a relative as a senior figure .. which is a conflict of interest .. you need other voices in elite management not just your own in an echo chamber .. concerning .. think Man Utd think Ferguson ..pochettino and spurs ..
Mike(Quote)
A lot of strong words criticizing Paul after he did organise some sales & bring in some very good academy players under tight PSR rules, he spotted others but got out bid by city , Liverpool & Chelsea not his fault ! His words didn’t come across how he ment & was told to concentrate on future potential stars , & slagging off Eddie by some of you so called fans without knowing exactly what he’s going to do untill maybe the guy we looked at before that left palace to temperely work for another pif club comes in under a different or new post! Eddie & Amanda’s recruits ALL went up in value & got us into CL twice & 2 league cup finals winning 1 against the best team in the league not bad from near relegation & over just 3 yrs! Sure Eddie is still learning & he’s the first to admit it! Some valid pofv but it’s been tough supporting nufc for so long& we are lucky to be living & seeing massive improvements with plans to get even BETTER! HWTL.
Samuel Lubran(Quote)