Newcastle United’s wait for a new sporting director may finally be over.
A few months on from Paul Mitchell’s departure, it was revealed on Friday morning that Ross Wilson has ‘agreed’ to join, with Newcastle and Nottingham Forest in talks over a compensation package to sanction his exit.
His imminent arrival has also been confirmed by The Telegraph, who also explain why Wilson’s arrival is another big breakthrough for Toon boss Eddie Howe; and a coup the club are delighted about.
Crucially, Howe enjoys a good relationship with the 41-year-old Scot – something he didn’t have with Mitchell – and has been pushing for his appointment after first meeting the former Southampton man during his time at Bournemouth.
The Telegraph’s Midlands chief, John Percy, reveals that PIF have tracked Wilson since his time with Rangers, while his work at Forest has played a ‘huge role’ in developing the Reds into an established Premier League.
The piece highlights the following on Wilson regarding his best work at Forest and what he will bring to his new role at Newcastle United:
- Wilson instilled a ‘sense of calm and structure’ at Forest during a period considered to be ‘noisy’ by neutrals
- He oversaw a number of key appointments, whether that be within the first-team medical department, sports science or academy
- Wilson is more a ‘builder of structures’ than a recruitment guru, suggesting he will not **** heads with Howe on potential incomings
- He helps form a link between manager and owners, and enjoyed a close relationship with former boss Nuno Espírito Santo and Evangelos Marinakis
- Has strong relationships with agents and sporting directors from his experience in England, Scotland and the EFL, helping him in the chaotic world of recruitment
- Leading agents have hailed his ability to ‘mediate and take the heat out of tense negotiations.’
- Wilson helped push through shrewd moves for Elliot Anderson, Nikola Milenkovic, Anthony Elanga, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dilane Bakwa at Forest
- Forest consider his departure to be a real blow after his great work over the past two and a half years
Only time will tell if he succeeds at St James’ Park and stays for many years to come (unlike the two before him), but Howe, Hopkinson and PIF will be hoping it’s third time lucky after short stays for Ashworth and Mitchell.