Ross Wilson joins Newcastle as sporting director from Forest

Ross Wilson has been appointed Newcastle United’s sporting director after the club triggered his release clause at Nottingham Forest, the club announced on Friday. The 41 year old will take charge of sporting strategy, development and recruitment across the men’s, women’s and academy teams and is filling a post that has been vacant at St James Park since Paul Mitchell stood down in June.

Newcastle said the terms of the release will remain confidential between the clubs. The appointment follows a search that began over the summer and comes as the club seeks to strengthen its football leadership under chief executive David Hopkinson and head coach Eddie Howe. Wilson will work closely with Howe and the club’s ownership group, which includes the Public Investment Fund and co-owner James Reuben, the club said.

Wilson joins Newcastle from Nottingham Forest, where he served as chief football officer since April 2023. He played a key role in Forest’s recent progress, helping the club qualify for European competition for the first time in three decades and taking part in the recruitment decisions that supported the team’s rise. His previous roles have included leadership positions at...