PAUL MITCHELL’S future as Newcastle’s sporting director is in doubt — just TWO MONTHS after arriving at St James’ Park.
SunSport revealed on Friday that chief exec Darren Eales has backed boss Eddie Howe amid his rift with Mitchell over transfer business.
GettyThe future of Paul Mitchell, left, as Newcastle’s sporting director is in doubt[/caption]
GettyNewcastle chief Darren Eales has backed boss Eddie Howe amid his rift with Mitchell[/caption]
Toon bigwigs want Mitchell to stay, meaning he will not be axed.
However, sources close to the ex-Southampton and Spurs recruitment guru claim he is unhappy and could walk away if relations do not improve.
A Toon source said Eales is attempting to support Howe and Mitchell — and wants both to stay.
Another source claimed their Saudi owners may be forced to get involved.
In July, appointing Mitchell, 43, to replace Dan Ashworth was seen as a coup.
But he got off on the wrong foot in early chats with Howe — who felt he was being told how his team should play.
Tensions then ramped up after a quiet window.
Mitchell failed to buy Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace — or the right winger Howe requested.
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And Mitchell’s desire for control over transfers also caused friction, with the head of recruitment Steve Nixon less involved than usual.
A Mitchell interview in which he claimed Toon’s recruitment and scouting teams were “not fit for purpose” ruffled feathers.
His failure to say the club would fight to keep Howe if he was offered the England job also contributed to this.
Newcastle’s 24/25 summer transfers
Arrivals
Lewis Hall – £27.86m
Odysseas Vlachodimos £22.46m
William Osula – £9.79m
Lloyd Kelly – Free Transfer
John Ruddy – Free Transfer
Departures
Elliot Anderson – £34.78m
Yankuba Mintesh – £29.55m
Ryan Fraser – Free Transfer
Matt Richie – Free Transfer
Kell Watts – Free Transfer
Jamal Lewis – Loan Transfer
Harrospm Ashby – Loan Transfer
Joe White – Loan Transfer