Newcastle Appoints Ross Wilson As New Sporting Director After Deal With Forest

‎Ross Wilson has been appointed as Newcastle United’s new sporting director, ending one of English football’s longest-running recruitment searches.

‎The former Nottingham Forest executive joins after both clubs agreed on an undisclosed compensation package. Wilson’s arrival marks a key step in Newcastle’s ongoing restructuring under its ownership group.

‎One of his first assignments will be to convince Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali to extend his contract beyond 2028.

‎Wilson said on Saturday he was delighted to join Newcastle, adding, “This is such a special club. I fully understand the passion, ambition, and expectations of our incredible supporters as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.

‎“My conversations with the ownership have been extremely positive and I’ve also been in regular contact with both Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson [the new chief executive]. The trust, cohesion, and alignment we’re building already feel strong.

‎“I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department from the first team to the women’s team and the academy. There’s already excellent work being done but my aim is to build on that.”

‎Why Newcastle chose Wilson

‎Howe has advocated for Wilson’s appointment since Paul Mitchell stood down as Newcastle’s sporting director in June.

‎Luring Ross Wilson from Nottingham Forest proved to be a slow and complex process, as owner Evangelos Marinakis was reluctant to part with the highly rated 41-year-old.

‎Wilson, who was present at St James’ Park when Newcastle defeated Ange Postecoglou’s side last Sunday, had been a key figure at the City Ground. His departure was further complicated by Forest’s internal restructuring.

‎Marinakis’s decision to appoint former Arsenal sporting director Edu as the club’s global head of football this summer reportedly left Wilson concerned about overlapping responsibilities.

‎After moving to the East Midlands from Glasgow, where he had impressed in an administrative role at Rangers, Ross Wilson quickly made his mark at Nottingham Forest.

‎He was instrumental in developing the club’s recruitment strategy and overseeing improvements to the academy, women’s team, medical department, and overall infrastructure. Wilson’s leadership helped modernize several key areas of the club’s operations.

‎His influence also proved decisive in attracting notable signings such as Elliot Anderson, Anthony Elanga, Nikola Milenkovic, and Callum Hudson-Odoi.

‎Elanga was sold to Newcastle for £55m this summer, the deal representing a healthy profit on a player who cost Forest a relatively modest £13.5m when he joined from Manchester United in July 2023. Newcastle have traditionally been poor sellers and it is hoped Wilson will improve this aspect of their recruitment operation.

‎He will become Newcastle’s third sporting director in two years and there is confidence at the club that he will remain in situ for considerably longer than his two immediate predecessors.

‎While Mitchell never really bonded with Howe, Dan Ashworth’s head was turned by an offer from Manchester United.

‎Wilson is anticipated to take an active role with the women’s team and oversee plans for a new training ground. The arrangement envisions a collaborative dynamic with Howe, with the Newcastle manager retaining the final say on all signings and departures. Howe’s nephew, Andy Howe, is expected to remain in a senior recruitment position.

‎Howe’s enthusiasm for Wilson’s appointment is shared by Newcastle’s Saudi Arabian owners and the Canadian Hopkinson.