Eddie Howe vs Paul Mitchell: Newcastle duo’s relationship ‘frosty’
Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell’s relationship remains frosty at Newcastle United despite having put their issues behind them.
This is according to former Man United, West Ham and Sunderland scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively spoke to Football Insider about the high-profile pair.
Upon Mitchell’s appointment as the Magpies’ sporting director, he had been heavily critical of the previous recruitment process and Howe’s involvement.
This led to widespread reports of tension between the pair.
A frustrating summer transfer window only served to further those issues as the squad was given very little support and improvement from the transfer team.
Howe had targetted a top centre-back and right-winger as priority positions, but they failed to strengthen in either area and missed out on a deal for Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi.
It has been said that, while any tension has been put behind them, the pair’s clash has not been forgotten and issues are still lingering.
The manager has since been linked with a move away from Newcastle as a result of the frosty situation with Mitchell, and it now appears that situation has not been entirely resolved.
This comes after Brown previously told Football Insider that Howe could be tempted into a move to Man United should they decide to sack Erik ten Hag.
Eddie Howe and Paul Mitchell tension lingers at Newcastle United
Football Insider revealed on 30 September that Mitchell held a secret meeting with staff upon his arrival at the club, telling them they would all answer to him rather than the boss.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience working with managers at the top level including a period as Sir Alex Ferguson’s number two, has insisted that those tensions have not completely faded.
“It’s gone quiet between Howe and the director of football,” he told Football Insider.
“That was a very volatile situation a few weeks ago, and then all of a sudden it’s all gone quiet.
“From what I’ve heard, while it’s gone quiet publicly, that has not been forgotten behind the scenes.
“A new director of football coming in and criticising the manager and his methods? Then it’s supposed to all be forgotten and they’re all friends.
“I don’t think people have forgotten what went on, even if they’re willing to but it behind them and move on now. From what I’m told, it’s still frosty between two of them.”
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