‘I’m hearing’: Journalist delivers ‘worrying’ update on Newcastle’s Sporting Director search

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Speaking on the Transfer Window Podcast, Duncan Castles has delivered an update on the sporting director role at Newcastle United.

The Magpies have new owners and a new manager, but one thing they’re yet to secure is a new sporting director.

It hasn’t been for the lack of trying either. The Tyneside club has been strongly linked with moves for Marc Overmars and Michael Emenalo, but, as of yet, nothing has come to fruition.

Castles says Newcastle now feel as though they can get away without hiring a sporting director in January.

What’s been said about Newcastle?

Castles shared what he knows.

“The messages I’m hearing from Newcastle United, I would say, are worrying. In that their perspective is that they can get away with without hiring a sporting director immediately,” Castles said.

“They feel they have a number of strong targets who are accessible, one of those is Lingard. They have a confidence they can get this done with Amanda Staveley doing a lot of work and their current recruitment specialist Steve Nickson also being involved in those deals.

“(Newcastle) have interviewed multiple candidates and spent a lot of time on interviews, interviewing a number of candidates on several occasions, spending a lot of time going through detailed discussions on how those people would work.

“Interestingly, there has been a couple of proposals where they have suggested the candidate joins on an initial temporary basis to help them through the window. Sort of a trial run for both parties in that this person would be coming in to help them in January, which is fundamental to their battle to stay in the Premier League.

“If they like that individual it would then turn into a permanent role. The individual would also have the chance to look at Newcastle, Amanda Staveley, PCP Capital and what they are like to work with.”

Is it the right move?

Newcastle may be reportedly the richest club in the world, but is this move the smartest? You could have all the money in the world but not having the right person steering the ship could lead to problems.

With all due respect to Amanda Staveley, she hasn’t done this before. And, as for Steve Nickson, he’s overseen some disappointing signings in recent years at St James’ Park. Joelinton and Yoshinori Muto may be the best example of players who have failed to live up to expectations. Although in Joelinton, we retain hope. 

Newcastle need to get January right, but if they don’t have the right infrastructure in place behind the scenes, they may struggle to bring in the right players.