The sporting director role at Newcastle United, prior to Ross Smith’s recent appointment, looked to be a bit of a poisoned chalice and a recurring issue for the club’s higher-ups.
Dan Ashworth came into the role with high expectations, but left in controversial circumstances for Manchester United after two years in the role.
Then came Paul Mitchell, who from the get-go looked to be at odds with anyone and everyone involved in the club. His departure by mutual consent was announced less than a year after his arrival.
And according to a new report, the behind-the-scenes situation seemed so messy and tense at one point, that Eddie Howe himself was “the de-facto CEO and sporting director” trying to keep things under control and running as smooth as possible.
Staveley departure divided Newcastle system
The Mail’s Craig Hope has revealed how Newcastle United’s behind the scenes set up was left incredibly splintered in the wake of Amanda Staveley’s controversial departure, leaving Eddie Howe to pick up a lot of the pieces.
Writing in his Newcastle Confidential Column, Hope reveals that the decision to oust Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi did not go down well at all with many of those working at the club.
With a lack of key leaders and a ‘face’ to the regime that Staveley assumed, a lot of the responsibility to be the club’s main figurehead and steer the ship fell on Howe’s shoulders.
A snippet from Hope’s piece explains this in more detail, offering an insight around the challenges ahead of Wilson and new CEO David Hopkinson:
‘Hopkinson and new sporting director Ross Wilson are aligned – they want ‘one club’. They have heard the stories, from inside and out, of how the post-takeover Newcastle Re-United began to splinter following the ousting, against their wishes, of co-owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi 15 months ago.
‘Training ground, boardroom and academy became separate islands. Tensions grew, lingered and irritated. The job Eddie Howe has done to that backdrop has been remarkable, for a leadership void at executive level left the head coach carrying far more than balls, bibs and cones. He was, at times, the de-facto CEO and sporting director.
‘For Hopkinson, Howe is the club’s ‘Bruce Springsteen’. He wants The Boss to be thinking about Fulham on Saturday, not clearing debris that is a legacy of the recent past. They speak – not every day – but the less they do, the less there is to fix and the more time Howe has for football. Because for everything Hopkinson is doing and plans to do, there is ultimately only one metric by which to measure success – the number of matches won.’
It’s fair to say Howe has done a simply exceptional job as this ‘de-facto’ decision maker: delivering results on the pitch, being an exemplary figure of it in the eyes of the fans, the media and the local community, and boasting a flawless talent ID, the club was able to weather a brief storm and stay focused.
With the chaos that came after Staveley’s exit last summer and Mitchell’s brief and turbulent spell on Tyneside, it’s clear Hopkinson is keen to support Howe by creating a strong spine and ‘one club’ feel that allows the boss to focus on matters on the pitch; not worry about the inner workings that distract from his players and match preparations.
Hopkinson, Wilson committed to change and unity
After a tumultuous couple years in terms of leadership and executive changes, the latest pair of appointments promise to promote some stability behind the scenes.
New CEO David Hopkinson and sporting director Ross Wilson are both committed to easing any underlying tensions still around from the Staveley/Mitchell/Ashworth days within the club.
Hopkinson in particular, in recognising Howe’s dedication and efforts, wants to make it so the gaffer only has to focus on his players and winning games, leaving everything else to he and the club’s higher-ups.
Wanting to install a united ‘one club’ narrative with Howe and the team at the epicentre of it all, Hopkinson’s vision is clear. And even though he’s only been here for a number of weeks, his values and aims already seem to align more with what the club needs to happen.
💙 Follow Us on Facebook
We share updates, news, and helpful posts every day.
Click below to like & follow our page to stay connected!
Highest Paying Jobs in the UK 2026 (No Degree Required) – Full Hiring Guide
The UK job market in 2026 is creating strong opportunities for workers without university degrees. Due to labor shortages, rising wages, and demand across key industries, many roles now offer competitive salaries, stable contracts, and visa sponsorship options for qualified workers.
This guide focuses on real, in-demand UK jobs that pay well, require little or no formal education, and are suitable for both UK residents and international applicants.
1. HGV (Truck) Driver Jobs in the UK
Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers remain among the highest-paid non-degree workers in the UK. Supermarkets, logistics firms, construction companies, and fuel suppliers continue to face driver shortages, pushing wages higher each year.
Salary Range
- £38,000 – £65,000 per year
- Overtime and night shifts can exceed £70,000
Requirements
- UK HGV Class 1 or Class 2 licence
- Driver CPC qualification
- No university degree required
Why This Job Pays Well
Long hours, responsibility, and supply chain importance make HGV driving one of the best-paid manual professions in the UK. Employers often cover training costs.
2. Construction Site Supervisor (Experience-Based)
Construction supervisors oversee daily site operations, safety compliance, and workforce coordination. Many professionals rise into this role through experience rather than formal education.
Salary Range
- £40,000 – £60,000 per year
Requirements
- Construction site experience
- CSCS or SSSTS certification
- No degree required
Construction jobs attract high advertising bids due to insurance, equipment, training, and recruitment demand.
3. Security Control Room Operator
Unlike basic security guard roles, control room operators monitor CCTV systems, coordinate emergency responses, and manage access control for large facilities, airports, and business centers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £50,000 per year
Requirements
- SIA licence
- Basic IT and communication skills
- No academic degree required
4. Warehouse Operations Manager (Promotion-Based)
Many warehouse managers start as pickers or supervisors and move up through performance. E-commerce growth has pushed logistics salaries significantly higher.
Salary Range
- £42,000 – £58,000 per year
Industries Hiring
- Amazon fulfilment centres
- Supermarket distribution hubs
- Import and export warehouses
5. Care Home Manager (NVQ Route)
Care home managers oversee elderly and assisted living facilities. This role follows vocational certification routes rather than university education.
Salary Range
- £45,000 – £65,000 per year
Why It Pays Well
An aging population and staff shortages have pushed salaries higher, especially in private care homes.
6. Roofing & Specialist Trades
Roofers, scaffolders, and specialist trade workers earn premium wages due to physical demand and skill shortages.
Salary Range
- £180 – £300 per day
- Annual income up to £70,000
7. Taxi & Private Hire Drivers (High-Demand Cities)
London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds offer strong earning potential for licensed private hire drivers.
Salary Range
- £35,000 – £55,000 per year
Visa Sponsorship for UK Jobs
Some UK employers offer sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. While not all jobs qualify, roles in logistics, healthcare support, construction, and technical operations may be eligible depending on employer approval.
How to Apply for High-Paying UK Jobs
- Apply directly on company career websites
- Register with UK recruitment agencies
- Obtain necessary licences before applying
- Prepare a UK-style CV
In 2026, high-paying jobs in the UK are no longer limited to university graduates. With the right skills, certifications, and experience, workers can secure stable, well-paid roles across logistics, construction, healthcare support, and security sectors.
For job seekers aiming to work in the UK or improve their income, focusing on short-term training and high-demand industries remains the smartest path.
