Paul Mitchell’s Newcastle United Exit Was Inevitable When He Arrived

Just days into Paul Mitchell’s reign as sporting director at Newcastle United, it felt like his presence would cause issues. Having joined in early July last year, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi, the two founding members of the Saudi Arabian-backed ownership group on Tyneside, departed. That felt significant, because it saw battle lines drawn in a saga that only came to a head this week, as Mitchell left not even a year into his tenure.

Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s head coach, saw Staveley and Ghodoussi as major allies in the club’s hierarchy. He hadn’t enjoyed the strongest working relationship with Mitchell’s predecessor, Dan Ashworth, before his long drawn out departure for Manchester United, and when CEO Darren Eales appointed Mitchell, giving Howe only 24 hours notice, it was a dangerous paradigm shift. Howe had just led Newcastle to a seventh-placed finish in the Premier League, and though he had suffered at the hands of a generational injury crisis, missing out on European qualification having competed in the Champions League that season was a major disappointment. His position was precarious.

Decisions were being made without him, and Mitchell came in to assume a role which involved “90% recruitment” according to Eales. Howe had the final say on player signings and sales, and any infringement on that would certainly cause friction, which suddenly felt inevitable. When Ashworth left, it was said he found Howe’s manner of working frustrating; preferring to confide in his coaching “inner circle”, rather than him. Mitchell appeared and immediately stepped on toes, publicly criticizing the transfer policy he inherited. It was clear he didn’t mind who he upset; did he want a partnership?

Howe was being linked with replacing Gareth Southgate as England at the same time, which only amplified the tension. At a press conference at the Adidas headquarters in Germany two weeks after Mitchell joined, he was cold and calculated, clearly sending a message that his position wasn’t to be compromised. Whilst his commitment to Newcastle never wavered, he had to be given the freedom to do his job as he saw fit. Days later, after a pre-season friendly at Hull City, he tone softened, speaking of the need for “collaboration”.

But it didn’t matter anyway. No first team signings arrived last summer much to everyone’s annoyance. Profit and Sustainability Rules had been a hindrance, but Mitchell had nothing to show for his brash entrance, other than a much-publicized failure to sign England defender Marc Guehi. Howe focussed on winning matches.

Poor performances and results may have strengthened any cause Mitchell had for replacing Howe with his own man; by early December, Newcastle was 12th in the Premier League. Fundamentally, Newcastle’s structure differed from its rivals. Because the club was in such serious relegation trouble when the takeover happened in October 2021, Howe was appointed as head coach first. Usually, the sporting director would arrive and have a say in appointing a person who aligns with their vision. Both Ashworth and Mitchell struggled to adjust to Howe’s existing strong power base, and having joined with huge reputations, egos may have played a big part in the disfunction.

Howe stayed and that is where things began to turn. While Mitchell’s influence on youth recruitment is clear, with Malaga winger Antonio Cordero the most exciting recruit, the lack of first team signings has been an issue. But Howe battled on to win Newcastle’s first domestic trophy in 70 years and secure a Champions League spot without any major additions.

The power dynamic has moved back in his favour, irreversibly so with regards Mitchell, even if they began to work together by the end. Mitchell had also said his role at the club was linked to Eales – who appointed him after they worked together at Tottenham Hotspur. The unfortunate news of Eales’ blood cancer diagnosis, which will see him leave soon, will undoubtedly be a factor in the decision.

Eddie Howe wins internal battle with Paul Mitchell departure

The timing of Mitchell’s departure on Tuesday was the biggest surprise, rather than the departure itself. But it also felt symbolic; as soon as the opportunity arose after the season ended. Howe had spoken to Yasir Al-Rumayyan, Newcastle’s chairman, after Sunday’s final game against Everton. He laid down demands so a quick and dynamic start to the transfer window, keen to avoid a repeat of last summer. He was unusually bullish when speaking to the press, and Mitchell leaving means there is no doubting who is calling the shots. Targets have been set, work has already begun.

Howe is back in main control of signing players, flanked by his nephew Andy and Steve Nickson, head of recruitment. There are no immediate plans to replace Mitchell, with anyone coming in likely suffering the same fate in terms of unsettling the mood and challenging Howe. But a technical appointment, somebody who negotiates and organises around the wishes of the manager rather than offering their own ideas, may be a better fit.

Whatever happens, lessons must be learnt from the Paul Mitchell saga. Eddie Howe’s success has given him the strength to dictate what he wants; he needs supporting, not challenging.