Newcastle United in contact with Ross Wilson via intermediaries – Could be set for St James’ Park move | OneFootball

Ross Wilson could be set for a move to Newcastle United.

An exclusive from The Mail on Tuesday morning reports that their information is that Ross Wilson has contacted Nolan Partners in connection with the role of Newcastle United Sporting Director.

Nolan Partners are the recruitment specialists acting as intermediaries to help identify the best candidate for the imminent vacancy.

It was exactly two weeks ago today that an official announcement (see below) from the club revealed that Paul Mitchell, the current Newcastle United Sporting Director, would be leaving at the end of June 2025, less than a year after taking over the role.

Ross Wilson has been the Nottingham Forest Sporting Director and CFO (Chief Football Officer these past two years, having previously had similar roles at Rangers and Southampton.

The Mail say that their info is that Ross Wilson has support within Newcastle United but that the club are determined to take their time, having felt they rushed things when bringing in Paul Mitchell as Dan Ashworth’s replacement.

The report adds that in the meantime, Steve Nickson (NUFC Head of Recruitment) and his assistant Andy Howe will take on more responsibility this summer ahead of a new Sporting Director being appointed.

There have been claims that Paul Mitchell will keep on working within Newcastle United until his official departure at the end of the month, but that all sounds a bit dubious, as surely the club will want to move on ASAP and having the departing Sporting Director still privy to sensitive information as this transfer window progresses, all sounds a bit unlikely.

Newcastle United official announcement – 27 May 2025:

‘Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United’s Sporting Director, will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June 2025.

Paul joined the club in July 2024, reuniting him with Magpies CEO Darren Eales, who had previously recruited Paul to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014.

Due to health reasons, Darren will be stepping down as CEO in the near future.

During Paul’s tenure as Sporting Director, the club won its first major domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in March 2025 and has secured Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign.

Paul Mitchell said: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon.

“The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building.