Newcastle set to appoint Scott Mitchell - Report

David Hopkinson undertook a 100-day review of Newcastle United when he came into the club last year.

The Canadian was conscious that in previous roles, he tried to put his stamp on things too early before fully understanding the space he was operating in, so this time he's taken time to listen and observe before making any big moves.

There have been a few exits and appointments already under the new CEO, and now, according to Football League World, the Magpies are about to make another.

FLW claims that Newcastle has appointed, or is in the process of appointing, Oxford United's head of recruitment Scott Mitchell.

Newcastle poach Oxford's head of recruitment

It's not clear yet exactly what Mitchell's role will be at Newcastle; the report just says he'll be a part of the recruitment team.

Newcastle has Ross Wilson as sporting director, who is heading up a worldwide recruitment team that is out there hunting for promising young players and hidden gems.

Mitchell has previously worked as a coach in Ipswich Town's Academy, then held a recruitment role at Wycombe Wanderers before leaving for Oxford 18 months ago.

Oxford were relegated to League One after this campaign, dropping down to the third tier alongside Leicester City and Sheffield Wednesday.

A domestic expert for the lower leagues? 

Initially, we found it a bit strange that we'd poach the head of recruitment from a relegated Championship side, but then it did start to make sense.

Newcastle's entire recruitment ethos has changed, and as we've already said, the goal now is to find players who aren't necessarily Premier League proven but possess all the attributes of a player who could be a success in the top flight. 

We have recruiters looking around Europe and South America for those players already. Perhaps Scott Mitchell's expertise in shopping in lower leagues may offer a new perspective and a new market that's currently not being as heavily tapped by the top teams.

We'll wait and see if any official confirmation comes soon, or at least a more reputable source picks up on the story, though.