On Saturday, October 11, Newcastle United confirmed the appointment of Nottingham Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson as their new sporting director after an indifferent start to their 2025-26
campaign in all competitions. The 41-year-old replaces Paul Mitchell in the role at the Magpies after the latter had joined the club less than 12 months ago in place of Dan Ashworth, who had moved to Manchester United last fall.
During his time at Nottingham Forest as their chief football officer, Ross Wilson oversaw the club make new records in the transfer market, including the signing of Omari Hutchinson from relegated Ipswich Town in the summer for £37.5 million. Before that, Ross Wilson served as a sporting director at Rangers apart from fulfilling the responsibility of director of football operations at Southampton.
Newcastle is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations: Ross Wilson
In his first comments after joining the Magpies, Ross Wilson told the club website, “Newcastle is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters. I've been in regular contact with [manager] Eddie Howe and 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.”
Moreover, Newcastle United will be taking on Brighton in the next match in the Premier League at the American Express Stadium on Saturday, October 18 after the conclusion of the ongoing international break. After a tough beginning in the English top flight this season under manager Eddie Howe, the Magpies have climbed to 11th place with nine points in seven matches, winning two, drawing three, and losing two of those.
