Newcastle have appointed a new technical director as they look to continue rebuilding their backroom staff ahead of the new season.
The Magpies have been in a transitional period off-the-field, with former sporting director Paul Mitchell leaving his role after just one year and without making a signing at the club.
It was announced in May that Mitchell would be leaving by ‘mutual consent’ at the end of June.
However Mail Sport reported in June that the 43-year-old had overseen a handover. Though no one has been directly appointed to replace him, and the search for his replacement is being led by Nolan Partners.
As revealed in June, Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson has been among the candidates and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto was to be spoken to by Nolan. Mail Sport also revealed that Julian Ward, Liverpool‘s technical director, was another name in the frame.
But Sudarshan Gopaladesikan has been appointed as the club’s new technical director, and will report to a new sporting director once they have been appointed.
Newcastle have appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as their new sporting director
They are still on the hunt for a replacement for Paul Mitchell, however, who left the club after just a year
Eddie Howe’s side are looking to continue rebuilding their backroom team for the new season
Gopaladesikan formerly worked with Atalanta, where he was the director of football intelligence. Newcastle say he will ‘lead football data operations for our men’s, women’s and academy teams’.
He said upon the move: ‘I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Newcastle United as technical director. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with clubs that have deeply passionate fanbases, and Newcastle stands out for its unique connection between the team, the city, and its supporters.
‘I’m excited to work alongside the club’s talented staff to identify what helps give us a competitive edge. Most of all, I’m looking forward to experiencing the incredible matchday atmosphere at St. James’ Park and being part of this proud football family and community.’
He joined Italian side Atalanta in 2022, having previously worked with Benfica in Portugal. There, he worked as head of sports data science.
The Athletic report he had a key role in Atalanta’s signing of Rasmus Hojlund from Sturn Graz – a player the club went onto make profit of more than £50millon on.
Newcastle, meanwhile, asked Andy Howe to work with Nickson as they look to build a squad capable of challenging on a domestic and European front this season.
Howe, the nephew of head coach Eddie Howe, joined the Magpies in 2021 as head of technical scouting before being promoted to assistant head of first-team recruitment.
He has played a key role in the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento and is well thought of within the club. Nickson and Andy Howe had absorbed the tasks that would have been the responsibility of Mitchell.