Newcastle United have appointed Ross Wilson as sporting director after triggering his Nottingham Forest release clause.
Wilson, formerly of Southampton and Rangers, fills the role vacated by Paul Mitchell at the end of last season after being identified by the Newcastle board as the right candidate to lead the club’s recruitment and sporting strategy.
The 41-year-old departs his role as Forest’s chief football officer after 18 months at the City Ground. Both clubs say the “terms of his release will remain confidential”.
Head coach Eddie Howe is said to be excited about the prospect of working with Wilson, who is seen as someone who can continue to grow the club off the pitch and ensure Newcastle can compete in every way possible.
At the clubs Wilson has led, he has helped to build structures, put new procedures in place that directly benefit the football side of the business and implement a clear, aligned strategy moving forward.
“This is such a special club, and 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,” said Wilson.
“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson. The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together.”
Newcastle say Wilson will be responsible for sporting strategy, development and recruitment for their men’s, women’s and academy teams.
“I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department,” he added. “There’s already excellent work being done here and, from the first team to the women’s team and academy, my aim is to build on that, strengthen our structures over time, and work with our staff to create environments where players and staff can continue to thrive.”