
Wilson leaves Forest to become Newcastle Sporting Director
Written by
Simon Austin
October 11, 2025
Ross Wilson has been appointed as Newcastle United’s new Sporting Director and will be responsible for “sporting strategy, development and recruitment” across men’s, women’s and Academy.
The Scot joins from Nottingham Forest, where he was Chief Football Officer and has worked as since April 2023. Wilson has also been Sporting Director or Director of Football at Rangers, Southampton and Huddersfield Town.
Newcastle have triggered Wilson’s release clause at Forest, although the terms of this will remain confidential.
“I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United,” Wilson said. “This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.
“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson. The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together.
“I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department. There’s already excellent work being done here and, from the first team to the women’s team and academy, my aim is to build on that, strengthen our structures over time, and work with our staff to create environments where players and staff can continue to thrive.”
Newcastle CEO David Hopkinson added: “I am delighted to welcome Ross to Newcastle United. His experience and expertise immediately strengthen us, and his appointment is another important step forward in our journey.
“Ross has a track record of delivering strategic change. He has instilled processes and built relationships that have helped his clubs to win and grow, and he has demonstrated his ability to enhance talent pathways and integrate women’s football into the same high-performing culture.
“We are looking forward to working with him as we build towards our ambitions for long-term sustainable success.”
Wilson succeeds Paul Mitchell, who stepped down as Newcastle Sporting Director by mutual consent after a year’s service at the end of June. Forest have a Global Head of Football in Edu, who joined in July, and whom Wilson reported into.
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