David Webb has told Chronicle Live that Newcastle United must hire the right candidate as their new Director of Football to get the best from Eddie Howe as the latest Toon manager.
The Magpies chose to appoint a new head coach before a sporting director to try and turn their form around. With only Norwich City below United in the table after 11 games.
Newcastle fired Steve Bruce with the club inside the Premier League relegation zone after eight games. While Graeme Jones failed to oversee any wins whilst the caretaker manager.
Howe’s first match in charge sees Newcastle host Brentford at St James’ Park this Saturday seeking a first win. They host a Bees side on a four-game losing run after defeat to Norwich.
Webb, who was briefly Head of Recruitment at Bournemouth during Howe’s tenure, feels Newcastle must now turn their efforts to hiring a sporing director to help the 43-year-old.
“Ed will be so preoccupied with getting results for the team and developing a formula and playing style,” Webb said.
“So, a sporting director to support that process in key areas such as your footballing departments and recruitment can be that sounding board between the directors and ownership. A sporting director will be key to have that working model going forward.
“Ed works best when he’s got alignment with people in key positions around him. If you’re going to get the best out of Ed, you definitely need to get the sporting director right as that support process to help him.”
Who are Newcastle considering as Director of Football to work with Howe?
Newcastle have considered several names as they look to follow Howe’s appointment with a sporting director.
One option in the running is soon-to-be-former Liverpool chief Michael Edwards, who will leave Anfield next summer. The Northern Echo report Howe wants Newcastle to hire the 42-year-old, having remained extremely close since working together at Portsmouth.
Additionally, Sky Sports have cited Luis Campos as one of several options after his work at Monaco.
While The Telegraph named Michael Emenalo as the leading candidate after talks in Saudi Arabia. The ex-Chelsea coach is also a big fan of Howe, so may strike a good relationship.
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