Former Rangers sporting director Ross Wilson is set to join Newcastle United as their new sporting director. Wilson, who currently holds the position of chief football officer at Nottingham Forest, has been in advanced talks with the Magpies and is expected to be offered the role.

Background

Wilson’s potential appointment comes after Paul Mitchell’s departure from the sporting director position at Newcastle. The club has been searching for a replacement, and Wilson’s experience in managing top-tier talent and building strong relationships with coaches and players has made him a top candidate.

Why Newcastle Wants Wilson

Newcastle’s owners, the Public Investment Fund (PIF), were impressed by Wilson’s work during his tenure at Rangers, where he played a key role in winning the 55th Premiership title in 2021. They believe Wilson’s expertise in creating a healthy club culture and building a strong infrastructure would be invaluable to the team. Additionally, Wilson’s good relationship with Newcastle’s manager, Eddie Howe, is seen as a major plus ¹.

Wilson’s Experience

Wilson has a wealth of experience in football management, having held senior roles at Southampton and Huddersfield Town. During his time at Rangers, he was instrumental in shaping the team’s transfer policy and building a strong squad. Although his tenure was marked by some inconsistent recruitment decisions, Wilson’s ability to work with top coaches and players has earned him recognition in the football world ².

Reaction from Rangers Fans

The news of Wilson’s potential appointment has been met with mixed reactions from Rangers fans, who were happy to see him leave Ibrox in 2023. Despite his successes, Wilson’s tenure was marred by inconsistent performances and questionable transfer decisions. Fans are concerned that Wilson’s appointment at Newcastle will only further highlight Rangers’ failure to build on their successes ³ ².

Conclusion

Ross Wilson’s appointment as Newcastle’s sporting director would mark a significant coup for the club. With his experience and expertise, Wilson is well-equipped to help Newcastle build a strong team and compete with the top clubs in the Premier League. While Rangers fans may be disappointed by his departure, Wilson’s new role represents a major opportunity for him to shape the future of Newcastle United ¹.