When Paul Mitchell took over as Newcastle United’s sporting director, he inherited a transfer strategy that he quickly criticized as being outdated.
According to recent reports, former sporting director Dan Ashworth and other members of his previous recruitment team are unhappy with Mitchell’s remarks, which suggested that the club’s transfer setup was “not fit for purpose.”
Mitchell’s Controversial Statements
Mitchell, who stepped into his role after the summer transfer window, has made it clear that he believes the club’s existing transfer strategy needs a major overhaul.
He pointed out that the approach he found at Newcastle was flawed and promised to implement his own changes, although he acknowledged that his role this summer was more of a “supporting” one.
Fan and Legend Backlash
Mitchell’s tenure has not started smoothly.
Fans and club legend Alan Shearer have been critical, particularly after Newcastle missed out on Eddie Howe’s top transfer target, Marc Guehi.
The Magpies abandoned a £70 million deal for the Crystal Palace defender and ended the window with just two new signings costing £10 million, much to Howe’s dismay.
Reassessment of Transfer Strategy
Mitchell discussed the need for a broader and more strategic scouting approach.
He noted that the current model, which heavily invested £250 million net over the past two-and-a-half years, wasn’t designed to handle such expenditures effectively, especially since no player sales were made during that period.
He emphasized the need for a more intelligent, data-informed approach to recruitment, similar to what other successful clubs have adopted.
Frustration Among Former Recruitment Team
The Telegraph reports that Mitchell’s comments have not been well received by those who worked on recruitment before his arrival.
Sources indicate that Ashworth, now with Manchester United, and others are displeased with the critique, feeling it undermines their contributions.
Some have suggested that Mitchell’s criticisms might be an attempt to deflect from his own challenges in securing high-profile signings.
What’s Next?
As the new sporting director continues to face scrutiny and internal criticism, it remains to be seen how Newcastle United will adapt their transfer strategy and whether Mitchell’s vision will lead to the desired improvements in the team’s performance and recruitment.
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