A new CEO and new approach should avoid more dramas for United

NEWCASTLE United have already started a new chapter at St James’ Park following the arrival of CEO David Hopkinson.

- By LEE RYDER

The next step in the process for the Magpies will be another C-suite appointment down the corridors of power, with a sporting director next on the hit-list.

More than four months on since Paul Mitchell handed in his shock resignation at the end of the 2024/25 season, Newcastle have been steered through the transfer window by head coach Eddie Howe, head of recruitment Steve Nickson and assistant head of first team recruitment Andy Howe after a £252m spending spree.

But what unfolds next at Newcastle will be significant, in terms of both new signings and existing players as the Magpies aim to avoid another drama like Alexander Isak’s messy exit - albeit a profitable one after a £130m cash boost.

Isak’s unhappiness can be traced back more than 12 months after a verbal agreement of a reward - via a new contract - was not carried out by the Newcastle board.

Last autumn, Newcastle insiders briefed that Isak already had a contract with more than three years left on it and that no fresh talks were taking place.

It is thought that Mitchell deemed Isak’s existing deal adequate and that handing the striker an enhanced contract could disrupt dressing room harmony with other big-hitters like Bruno Guimaraes and Anthony Gordon, then potentially looking underpaid.