Jack Ross confirms new role as Newcastle’s backroom continues to evolve
Jack Ross has confirmed his move to Assistant Sporting Director at Newcastle United, working under our sporting director Ross Wilson.
The former Sunderland manager announced the change on LinkedIn, having previously served as our Head of Football Strategy. It continues his progression through the club since joining the academy in 2023.
Ross wrote:
“I am excited to share that I have moved to the position of Assistant Sporting Director at Newcastle United”
The announcement adds another development to a period of considerable change behind the scenes, with Ross Wilson shaping Newcastle’s football operation.
Ross’s progression at Newcastle
Ross initially arrived as Head of Coach Development in March 2023, before moving into the position of Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships.
He was then appointed Head of Football Strategy in July last year, taking on a remit covering our loan strategy, emerging talent and relationships with other clubs.
That role also involved working with senior staff across the men’s, women’s and academy teams, helping Newcastle develop a consistent approach across the club.
His work on partnerships was intended to create more opportunities for players to develop in the UK and overseas, an important part of giving young talent a route towards senior football.
Another change in Newcastle’s football department
The news follows Andy Howe’s reported departure, with The i Paper’s Mark Douglas revealing this week that our senior football executive had left to pursue a new challenge.
Steve Nickson has also joined Wrexham as sporting director, ending a 15-year spell at Newcastle.
With so much experience leaving the recruitment setup, there is value in retaining someone who already knows the club and has worked across its development structure.
Ross’s background in coaching, loans and emerging talent looks particularly relevant as Newcastle place greater emphasis on younger recruitment. The challenge is giving those players the right opportunities to progress, and that is an area he has already been closely involved in.
