Newcastle United have appointed Paul Mitchell as the club’s new sporting director following the departure of Dan Ashworth to Manchester United.
Mitchell, who got to the limelight as Southampton’s head of recruitment before joining Spurs in 2014, has been without a job since leaving French club Monaco in October 2023.
Paul Mitchell comes in to replace Ashworth, who went on gardening leave for four months after agreeing to join English giants Manchester United.
Reports indicate that Dan Ashworth’s leave was due to run until mid-2025, however, it emerged on Monday, July 1, 2024, that Newcastle and Manchester United have agreed on a compensation package to fasten the deal.
Paul Mitchell’s Statement After Being Appointed As The Sporting Director Of Newcastle United
Speaking after being named as the successor to Ashworth, 42-year-old Mitchell said:
“I’ve seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fanbase, made the decision to join an easy one.
“I can’t wait to get started and help continue the organization’s growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance.”
Paul Mitchell’s Football Career
Paul Mitchell’s work was visible at Southampton, as he assisted the Saints in signing players like Toby Alderweireld, Nathaniel Clyne, and Sadio Mane, who went on to flourish at the club.
Mitchell subsequently moved to Tottenham Hotspur, and as head of their recruitment department, he was credited for the signings of Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son, and Kieran Trippier.
Paul Mitchell left Spurs in February 2018, joining RB Leipzig to head their recruitment team and he also did impressively well at the club.
The Englishman has also been in charge of MK Dons, AS Monaco, Cercle Brugge, RB Bragantino, and New York Red Bulls, in huge roles like strategic advisor, Technical Director, and Head of scouting.
Mitchell was born on August 26, 1981, in Stalybridge, and he is a former professional footballer, who played for teams like Wrexham, Wigan, Swindon Town, and Barnet.
Paul Mitchell made 171 club career appearances, scoring no goal and providing 2 assists in all competitions.
Paul Mitchell retired from football in January 2009, and he has displayed himself subsequently in administrative capacities as aforementioned.
Dan Ashworth At Newcastle United
It will be fascinating to see how he slots into the big shoes of Dan Ashworth, who was excellent as Newcastle United’s sporting director between 2022 and 2024.
Ashworth spearheaded the signings of players like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, whose brilliance has caught the attention of gigantic clubs across Europe.
Newcastle United In The 2023/24 Season
Newcastle United ended the 2023/24 season 7th on the log, with 60 points from 38 matches.
Eddie Howe’s side couldn’t replicate or better their outing in the 2022/23 season, as they stumbled all through the campaign.
Paul Mitchell will be hoping to get to work quickly, with Newcastle United looking at making necessary reinforcements to their squad.
Signings Made By Newcastle United So Far
The Magpies have already made three additions to their squad, namely; John Ruddy, Lloyd Kelly, and Lewis Hall.
Ruddy and Kelly joined on a free transfer, while Hall moved to Newcastle United from Chelsea for a fee of €33 million, after an impressive loan spell at the Tyneside club.
