Newcastle appoint Gopaladesikan as Technical Director
Written by
Ian Westbrook
July 22, 2025
Newcastle United have appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as their Technical Director.
Gopaladesikan will lead the Magpies’ football data operations and work closely with manager Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, as well as the club’s performance, medical, analysis, methodology and recruitment teams.
He will implement data-informed practices across all sporting departments in the club’s men’s, women’s and Academy teams.
Gopaladesikan – known as Suds – will report into the club’s new Sporting Director, who has yet to be appointed following the departure of Paul Mitchell last month.
He joins the club after three seasons at Atalanta, where he was Director of Football Intelligence for three seasons. During his time in Italy, the club won the Europa League, finished in the top five in Serie A every season and reached the Italian cup final.
Gopaladesikan’s first job in football was at Benfica, where he was their Head of Sports Data Science for five seasons as they reached the quarter-finals of both the Champions League and the Europa League and won Portugal’s Primera Liga title once.
Before entering the game, he worked for Microsoft as a Program Manager.
‘Passionate fanbases’
Gopaladesikan said: “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 is the third behind-the-scenes appointment at the club this month, following the promotion of Jack Ross to the new role of Head of Football Strategy and the arrival of Martin Mark as the Magpies’ first specialist Set Piece Coach.
Gopaladesikan is also a lecturer for FIFA’s Executive Education programmes and the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Business School on data-driven decision-making.
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