Kieran Maguire issues ‘big’ Newcastle claim as plan revealed to land top-class hire
Newcastle United have been hailed for putting in place plans to hire only the best football professionals.
So says finance guru Kieran Maguire, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ ongoing hunt for a new director of football.
The new-money north-east giants had expected to appoint former Monaco and Chelsea bigwig Michael Emenalo to oversee their sporting operation.
But he recently rebuffed their advances, as per The Telegraph last Saturday (4 December).
The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday (7 November) that the Magpies have hired a recruitment firm, Nolan Partners, to continue the search.
Maguire saluted Newcastle for outsourcing the process to a team of experts with a track record of top hires.
“Football is big business and using a headhunter makes a lot of sense,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“It’s a way of sounding people out without it coming directly from the club, so you can’t be accused of poaching.
“I think it’s a sign of professionalism as well because otherwise you can fall into the trap of going down the populist route.
“What you want is someone who operates under the radar and does that absolutely essential role.
“If the manager or the coach moves on, you need that consistency in the under-23s and under-18s playing the same football.
“They also act as a go-between for the coach and boardroom. You can also be an ally for the coach, so it’s less intimidating in the boardroom.
“When somebody then leaves, you have still got somebody from a footballing and business background to smooth things through.
“Lots of clubs have failed as they’ve gone for someone whose focus is squarely on football, but you’re better off with someone who has a bit of everything.”
Newcastle’s new director of football will spearhead their efforts in the January transfer window.
Recruitment could be pivotal if Eddie Howe’s 19th-place side are to beat the drop this term.
In other news, Dwight Gayle tipped to leave Newcastle United and “absolutely dominate” after source’s transfer update.