May 29 – Newcastle United Sporting Director Paul Mitchell will leave his role by mutual consent at the end of June, ending a turbulent 11-month tenure marked by tensions with manager Eddie Howe.
Mitchell, who joined the club last July, has not overseen any major first-team signings during his time at St. James’ Park due to a strained relationship with Howe, who reportedly threatened to leave Tyneside if the newcomer challenged his transfer autonomy too dramatically.
The relationship deteriorated further following a crucial meeting on Sunday night involving Mitchell, Howe, club Chairman Yasir al-Rumayyan, and a delegation from Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners, the Public Investment Fund. The decision to part ways with Mitchell was made shortly after these discussions.
Mitchell expressed gratitude in his departure statement: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley [the women’s team manager], the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.”
He added: “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.”
Newcastle responded diplomatically: “Paul leaves with the club’s best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service.”
The decision to part ways with Mitchell represents a significant power play by Eddie Howe, whose stock has never been higher at Newcastle. The 47-year-old manager has transformed the club since arriving in November 2021, guiding them from relegation battlers to European contenders while ending the 70-year wait for a trophy by winning the Carabao Cup with a thrilling 2-1 win over Liverpool in March.
At Newcastle, Howe has demonstrated his tactical acumen and man-management skills, reuniting with several former Bournemouth players while building a cohesive squad. His insistence on maintaining transfer autonomy reflects a manager who understands his value and isn’t afraid to leverage his success for greater control.
While many modern managers operate under sporting director models with limited transfer influence, Howe has successfully bucked this trend. Having delivered Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in over half a century, his leverage within the club structure has never been stronger, allowing him to assert greater control over football operations.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1748771369labto1748771369ofdlr1748771369owedi1748771369sni@r1748771369etsbe1748771369w.kci1748771369n1748771369