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Paul Mitchell is not a popular figure at Newcastle United.
The 43-year-old replaced Dan Ashworth as the Magpies’ sporting director at the start of June this year.
However, despite arriving at St. James’ Park with a reputation as one of Europe’s biggest transfer makers, the former Monaco boss endured a disappointing summer window.
With just five first-team signings, including free transfers for veteran goalkeeper John Ruddy and defender Lloyd Kelly, Mitchell he failed to achieve Eddie Howe’s main goaland it would have been the signing of Marc Guehi.
Newcastle staff ‘stunned’ by Paul Mitchell’s treatment of Eddie Howe
The England international’s failed transfer from Crystal Palace caused friction between Howe and Mitchell. The pair’s working relationship suffered as a result, and if recent reports are to be believed, they are no longer on speaking terms with each other disagreements over which player’s contract should be extended.
And following suggestions that the pair are not getting on behind the scenes, Football Insider claims Mitchell’s attitude following his appointment left Newcastle United’s workforce “surprised” – a a suggestion that Jamie Carragher has alluded to recently.
The sporting director immediately informed staff, including the Magpies’ scouting team, that he was in charge and would now report directly to him. He called a meeting to discuss these changes later, but did not invite Howe and left many questioning exactly who was leading the club.
The fans will certainly not like to hear that two of the biggest and most influential figures at their club are at odds. There will be hope that the pair can patch things up or the club run the risk of having to make a very complicated decision.
