Mitchell expected to have smooth exit

NEWCASTLE United sporting director Paul Mitchell will continue in his post until June 30 at St James' Park.

- LEE RYDER

As the days pass in late June, The Journal understands that Mitchell, pictured, will hand over duties to other key members of staff until his official leaving date. The big difference between Mitchell's exit and the man he replaced in Dan Ashworth is that there are no complications or another club waiting in the wings. When Ashworth departed, there was already huge talk of the him heading to Manchester United - exactly what happened as he was sent on gardening leave before taking up what proved to be a short-lived stint at Old Trafford.