With key roles filled, club's ready for lift-off

EDDIE Howe reckons Newcastle United are finally ready for liftoff after ending the search for a new sporting director in Ross Wilson.

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With a new CEO in David Hopkinson also on board now, Howe knows there can be no excuses on or off the pitch.

Ahead of today’s trip to Brighton, Howe said of ex-Rangers transfer chief Wilson: “I've known him for a number of years but not to any depth. He has been around the game for a long time. He has had a number of jobs and done really well from the outside.

“Working with him now, the first impressions of him and his work have been very good. He is a really good person and has fitted in really well so far. | am sure he can make a huge difference.”

Newcastle face a Brighton side who sit just below them in the Premier League table on goal difference, but the Magpies have a horrendous record at the Amex with no topflight victories at the venue in eight visits.