Newcastle United have approved a new scouting role dedicated to recruiting goalkeepers, as the club continues to reshape its recruitment department under sporting director Ross Wilson.
The Magpies' goalkeeping department is in transition. Nick Pope is currently second choice due to an injury to Ewen Jaouen, but is still set to leave in January or at the end of his contract next summer. Newcastle signed 20-year-old Jaouen in the summer for a fee that could reach £24.2m, while Lukas Hornicek is establishing himself as number one after his move from SC Braga.
New role focuses on future goalkeeping talent
Pope's exit will prompt Newcastle to sign a younger goalkeeper with an eye on the future, while Jaouen, currently out for two months, and Hornicek adapt to English football. Looking further ahead, the club are eager to discover rising talents across Europe and South America.
Newcastle are now advertising for a Positional Scouting Analyst with a focus on goalkeepers. The advert reads: "As a Positional Analyst, you’ll deliver detailed video and live analysis on players in key positions across assigned markets. Working closely with our Head of Scouting Analysis, data team and international scouts, you’ll build clear, objective evidence that supports recruitment strategy and future transfer planning. Your work will inform real decisions. Your detail will make a difference."
Restructuring under Ross Wilson
In his 12 months as sporting director, Wilson has restructured the scouting department. Two high-profile exits have occurred: head of recruitment Steve Nickson moved to Wrexham, and Andy Howe left following the departure of his uncle, Eddie Howe.
The new role follows the appointment of former Sunderland boss Jack Ross as assistant sporting director. Ross said recently: "I am excited to share that I have moved to the position of Assistant Sporting Director at Newcastle United Football Club."
Wilson had said on the club's sporting model in August: "I had a clear idea, identity-wise, what I wanted Newcastle to look like, which was absolutely shared (by) ownership. The key for us was getting to the end of the window really feeling that identity. That doesn't mean it's perfect, it doesn't mean we're over the moon with it, but we're happy where we've got to, structurally and identity-wise in the squad, the coach. We're not patting ourselves on the back, but we have to move forwards bravely and strongly. There's still lots of work to be done to get the whole club where we want to get it to."
