Sunderland manager poised to replace Paul Mitchell as Newcastle United sporting director.
Newcastle United reportedly view former Sunderland manager Jack Ross as a future sporting director.
Appointed to the Toon setup in March 2023, the decision initially sparked controversy among supporters. Ross was Sunderland manager for just over a year, leading them to a League One play-off final defeat to Charlton Athletic in 2019.
What began as an interim role as head of coach development quickly became a permanent gig. The 48-year-old even stepped in as under-21s boss on a temporary basis once Ben Dawson left to join Leicester City.
Showing his versatility in a multitude of roles has impressed the powers that be at St James’ Park. A former Black Cat, Ross is now viewed as an important part of the furniture on Tyneside and his playing career at Hartlepool United makes him well-versed with North East football.
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The Daily Mail now report that Ross has earned a promotion and will work closely alongside Paul Mitchell. His new duties will include finding loan moves for youngsters while building strategic partnerships with potential “feeder” clubs.
One youngster set to be on the move is Vakhtang Salia once he joined the Magpies last year. Newcastle pulled off a coup to sign the highly-rated Georgian, who is spending the rest of this season at Dinamo Tbilisi.
As for building relationships with other clubs, the report suggests this could be a precursor to a multi-club model. Manchester City’s Abu Dhabi ownership famously created the City Football Group – and now boast 12 clubs across the globe.
Former co-owner Amanda Staveley let slip about Newcastle’s need for a potential multi-club model just months before her exit in June. She said: “Multi-clubs are part of having football. It’s a real benefit to be able to have players and train players that aren’t part of your squad. The UEFA rules are changing and so we have to see what emerges.”
