Paul Mitchell to depart Newcastle as sporting director

By SABC Sport
27th May 2025

In a surprising development, Paul Mitchell will step down as sporting director of Newcastle United next month, the club has confirmed.

His departure, by mutual consent, comes less than a year after he joined the Magpies in a role aimed at enhancing the club's long-term competitiveness in elite football.

Mitchell, who previously held senior positions at Tottenham Hotspur and AS Monaco, was brought in to modernise Newcastle's footballing structure following the club's PIF-led takeover in October 2021.

Upon arrival, he openly criticised the recruitment strategy in place, labelling it "not fit for purpose" in the modern game.

His appointment initially created tension with manager Eddie Howe, who spoke of "boundaries" between sporting and coaching roles. However, the pair eventually developed a working relationship, notably contributing to a period of significant progress for the club.

Under the leadership of Mitchell and newly appointed performance director James Bunce, Newcastle celebrated Carabao Cup glory and secured Champions League qualification for the second time in three seasons - a remarkable achievement for a club in transition.

"Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United's Sporting Director, will leave the club by mutual consent at the end of June 2025," a club statement read.

"Paul joined the club in July 2024, reuniting him with Magpies CEO Darren Eales, who had previously recruited Paul to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014. Due to health reasons, Darren will be stepping down as CEO in the near future.

"During Paul's tenure as Sporting Director, the club won its first major domestic trophy in 70 years by lifting the Carabao Cup in March 2025 and has secured Champions League football for the 2025/26 campaign.

"Paul leaves with the club's best wishes and the Board would like to express its sincere thanks to him for his professionalism and diligent service."

The timing of Mitchell's departure coincides with the impending exit of CEO Darren Eales, a close colleague from his days at Tottenham.

Eales's decision to leave is understood to have influenced Mitchell's own, with sources suggesting the duo's professional synergy was key to the club's recent successes.