Steve Nickson was understated at Newcastle United, but that doesn't mean he didn't have any impact. The long-serving head of scouting has left the club after friendly exit talks, with club sources denying claims of a power struggle behind the scenes. However, there is no doubt that Nickson's remit has changed in recent years, and his departure coincides with significant personnel changes at Benton following a dramatic shift in the recruitment department.
Nickson's Rapid Rise and Hard Work
Nickson's promotion from youth scout under previous recruitment chief Graham Carr to Rafa Benitez's main senior man was rapid, but it was down to his hard-working nature. A source told Chronicle Live: "His nickname used to be 24/7 behind the scenes, because he used to like the job done properly." Nickson would meticulously review everything from staff expenses to scouting reports, and he was loyal to the football club for 15 years.
Scouting Missions and Legacy
Nickson often embarked on scouting missions at weekends, braving the last LNER train to Central Station, weaving through travelling fans, many unaware that the man who signed Joelinton and Bruno Guimaraes had just passed them. There was no animosity when West Ham had him on their shortlist, as Nickson worked tirelessly for the Toon cause. He leaves with a wonderful record, having signed Ayoze Perez, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton, Allan Saint-Maximin, Miguel Almiron, and Sven Botman.
Changing Landscape at Newcastle
The landscape at Newcastle has changed quickly. From working in poky Portakabins in an unused gravel car park in 2021, the club now has plush new offices, and the scouting department is based at the Northumberland FA's old Blue Flames offices. Nickson had his own office, as did his assistant Andy Howe, nephew of head coach Eddie Howe. Sporting director Ross Wilson is now firmly at the wheel, introducing Thomas Federspiel from his Nottingham Forest days, a scout with expertise in South America. Whether this clashed with Nickson's own contacts remains unclear.
Life After Nickson
As Nickson began to discuss an exit plan, Newcastle advertised for a Lead Recruitment Data Analyst, signaling life after the super scout is already underway. Nickson's actions were always louder than words, and if he ends up at West Ham, it will be interesting to see who the Hammers sign.
