Mauricio Pochettino and Paul Mitchell was a footballing marriage made in heaven.
While the Argentine coach patrolled the touchlines at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, hoovering up the accolades left, right and centre, one of the most respected coaches in the game remains forever indebted to a close confidante with a penchant for unearthing diamonds in the rough.
Put simply, Mitchell is one of the most esteemed talentspotters of the modern era. It was he who masterminded the arrivals of Nathaniel Clyne, Steven Davis and Maya Yoshida at Southampton; Dele Alli, Toby Alderweireld and Kieran Trippier in north London.
Between 2012 and 2016, the Saints and Spurs were famed across European football for their transfer market acumen. And it is no coincidence that, since Mitchell swapped Tottenham for RB Leipzig four years ago, the London giants have wasted millions on a whole host of big-money flops.
No wonder Pochettino was left in a state of mourning as his old friend announced his departure from English football in August 2016.
“It’s obvious that happened,” Pochettino told The Guardian when asked if he had tried to change Mitchell’s mind as he closed in on a move to the Bundesliga.
“I feel very disappointed with his decision. It’s his personal choice. We have a relationship from Southampton and I feel very disappointed.”
With the Shields Gazette reporting that Newcastle United have identified Mitchell as an option to become the club’s new director of football, it is surely no coincidence that Pochettino appears to be the clear frontrunner to take Steve Bruce’s job at St James’ Park.
The modern-day answer to Brian Clough and Peter Taylor could soon be weaving their magic on British shores once again.
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