On the latest episode of the ‘Where’s The Money Gone?’ podcast, we delve into the world of football’s Sporting Directors, following Paul Mitchell’s decision to leave Newcastle United. The Geordies are now recruiting for the role for the second time in eight months.
Charlie Methven - who served in the boardroom at Sunderland and Charlton - tells me that the SD plays a vital role in modern football, acting as a buffer between the executive suite and the dugout.
Sir Alex Ferguson or Brian Clough might not have tolerated anyone above them in the sporting hierarchy, but these days, most clubs have an SD who oversees all aspects of what has become a very sophisticated business, including fitness, youth development, scouting and recruitment.
According to Charlie, Newcastle’s appointment process is “profoundly dysfunctional”, not least because Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson will apparently have a key role in appointing the person who will become his boss.
And is Eddie Howe seeking a disproportionate role at St James’ Park? It looks like it, according to Charlie, who thinks the Toon Head Coach wants powers closer to that of an old school manager.
He says, “part of the board's job is to persuade the Head Coach that he himself will be better off with high quality people overseeing him”.
Listen to more episodes of ‘Where’s The Money Gone?’ here.
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