Newcastle United Sporting Director agrees early release with club – Already gone | OneFootball

Late last month, the club announced (see below) that Newcastle United Sporting Director Paul Mitchell would leave the club at the end of June 2025, less than a year after starting the job.

Now however, it has been revealed that Paul Mitchell has already left.

The Mail reporting that their information is that the club and outgoing Newcastle United Sporting Director reached an agreement to leave before that original end of June 2025 departure date.

Steve Nickson is Newcastle United head of recruitment and along with his assistant Andy Howe (Eddie’s nephew, who also worked with him at Bournemouth), they will be the main men assisting Eddie Howe with first team recruitment this summer, until a new appointment is made above them, of a new Sporting Director.

The search for his replacement is being led by recruitment specialist, Nolan Partners, with a number of candidates set to be interviewed, including former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto, Nottingham Forest’s Ross Wilson, as well as Liverpool’s technical director Julian Ward.

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.

“I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”