Phil Giles to Newcastle? - Why impressive Brentford chief could be one to watch

Newcastle United's sporting director position has acted like a fun fair merry-go-round in recent years.

Dan Ashworth jumped on in 2022, left after 18 months, then his replacement Paul Mitchell didn't even last a full year, with his appointment in July 2024 followed by news of his imminent departure just last month.

Prior to Mitchell's arrival, a number of candidates were linked with the vacancy Ashworth left open.

There was Paolo Maldini, Hugo Viana (now at Man City), Tiago Pinto (now at Bournemouth), Rui Pedro Braz (previously at Benfica) and Tim Steidten (previously at West Ham) to name just a few who were named as people of interest this time last year.

However, another name that Newcastle did discuss last year was Phil Giles of Brentford, who would be an intriguing option a year later for various reasons.

The 49-year-old was born and raised on Tyneside and remains a lifelong Toon fan having had a season ticket for 25 years, hailing from a family full of Newcastle supporters, most of whom still live in the North East.

Of course, that only means so much, but he has overseen a decade of hugely impressive work with Brentford, who've risen from a mid-table Championship on his arrival to Premier League regulars who have punched above their weight and recruited superbly in recent years.

At present, he will be supporting Brentford's search for a new manager as Thomas Frank looks set to take the Tottenham job, but the Dane's exit and the uncertainty that may bring could open up an opportunity for Newcastle, should we remain admirers of the Geordie director.

Newcastle will pick the best man for the job, but Giles may be one to watch given his impressive record at Brentford, Premier League experience and the likelihood he'd jump at the chance to return home in a major role for his boyhood club.

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