Written by Training Ground Guru — August 31, 2022
SIMON SMITH has left his role as Head of Goalkeeping at Newcastle United after seven years and the club are now compiling a shortlist for his replacement.
The 59-year-old has served the North East club in two spells spanning 17 years. The first started in 1994 when he was an Academy coach before being promoted to first-team duties under Ruud Gullit and then Sir Bobby Robson.
He left in 2004 and went on the work for England Under-17s and U19s before returning into St James’ Park under Steve McClaren.
Smith went on to work under Rafa Benitez, Steve Bruce and Eddie Howe, but has now departed. The club have advertised for a replacement, with applications closing today (August 31st).
Adam Bartlett stepped up from the U23s to work with the first-team keepers in January this year, but the club are looking for someone to head the first-team goalkeeping department.
Writing on LinkedIn, today Smith said: “As you may have seen I have left my job at Newcastle United as Head of Goalkeeping. I just want to make it clear that I haven’t ‘retired’! I have had some lovely messages wishing me ‘good luck’ in my retirement….but no I haven’t retired!”
Another highly experienced member of staff left the club earlier in the summer when Head Physio Derek Wright departed after 38 years.
