The Magpies have waved farewell to Paul Mitchell but whoever replaces him will have a hard act to follow after a cup win and Champions League ticket was booked
Paul Mitchell (righ) has now left Newcastle
Newcastle United’s departing sporting director Paul Mitchell had a five-year plan at St James’ Park.
His aim was simply to get Newcastle, in his own words, in the Champions League “season in, season out” but while his time at United has not been a failure by any stretch of the imagination, his departure comes at the same time as the man who hired him.
As CEO Darren Eales prepares to say an emotional goodbye to Geordies after two years at the club, Mitchell knew soon after the former Atlanta United chief’s enforced decision to leave that he would be following at some stage after.
That is the view of some of the insiders that Chronicle Live has chatted to.
Mitchell was liked by those involved with NUFC Women’s team and had a good rapport with the Academy coaching staff and scouting network. But his rapport levels with the first-team backroom team was tougher.
Tougher in that when Mitchell arrived he walked on to a scene in which relationships had already been cemented. But whatever people think of Mitchell’s tenure he will have that he essentially led Newcastle to their greatest season in modern history with a trophy on the table and Champions League football.
Mitchell posed in the end of season picture in front of the Gallowgate End which proved to be his last act as big boss of the football department. As far as transfers are concerned, the former Monaco supremo did not make a senior signing.
What he did do was clear the decks for a clear run at July with Lloyd Kelly sold for £20m and Miguel Almiron also moved on in January for £10m to Atalanta United.
The fact that Newcastle recouped almost 50% for a 31-year-old who will never play in the Premier League again, was great business in itself.
And to get £20m for Kelly, who arrived on a free transfer but did not impress, is a superb deal for the Magpies. Unfortunately, for Mitchell not signing a senior star will always be referred to.
What can’t be argued with is that Mitchell left the club in a much better place than he found it in. Of course, with help from Eddie Howe and other backroom members including Eales.
But ultimately, the five-year plan he had rolled out won’t be completed on Mitchell’s watch.
And regardless of PSR issues whoever comes in after Mitchell will, one way or another, have a hard act to follow.
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