Ross Wilson: Eddie's Power Base Grows

The arrival of Ross Wilson as Director of Football hasn’t pleased many Forest fans but there is one fan of Wilson who apparently is most definitely pleased - and that’s Eddie Howe.

That is the opposite situation to that of Wilson’s predecessor Paul Mitchell. Mitchell’s brief stint at Newcastle United didn’t get off to a good start or a good end, for more than one reason.

His rumoured confrontational communication style was confirmed in one of his first public interviews when Mitchell stated that the club's transfer policy was "not fit for purpose,"  

Considering Eddie had overseen the signings of players like Pope, Trippier, Burn, Bruno, Botman, Isak, Livramento and Gordon - players who took us from a relegation threatened team to one qualifying for the CL in just two seasons - it was hardly likely to bring a smile to Eddie’s face or get his relationship with Mitchell off to a flying start.

Mitchell may have been referring to the PSR situation where sailing too close to the wind led to the forced sale of Elliott Anderson and Jankubah Minteh, rather than the quality of the players signed under Eddie. 

Irrespective, “not fit for purpose” was a bad choice of words and if Mitchell was looking to make an impression he succeeded, but for all the wrong reasons.

Whilst the public claims of a bust up between Eddie and Mitchell were played down there is no smoke without fire. And, the other factor, was that Eddie was apparently not impressed at all that the hierarchy hadn’t fully consulted with him on Mitchell’s appointment.

That led to rumours that Eddie might be open to leaving SJP and taking the vacant England job.  A rumour that made the hearts of NUFC fans go cold.  

Eddie had already cemented himself into the culture of the region and club and taken us on a rapid upward trajectory we hadn’t thought possible. The thought of him leaving was unthinkable. My guess is it chilled the hearts of PIF too.

Eddie Strengthen’s His Power Base & Role in Recruitment

So, fast forward to Mitchell’s departure and the appointment of Ross Wilson.

This time there were no surprises for Eddie. 

Eddie apparently has pushed for Wilson’s appointment, after first establishing a relationship with him when he was in charge at Bournemouth. 

Relationships between managers in any organisation can cause harmony or conflict and, despite his ‘Mr Nice Guy’ public image, you can bet Eddie is no shrinking violet behind closed doors. Quite the opposite is my guess.

And one thing that Eddie doesn’t want conflict on is our transfer targets. One of the reasons why Mitchell apparently left is because he wanted the major control, a role Eddie wasn’t prepared to sit back and allow. 

And, PIF backed Eddie. 

Not only did they back him then, they’ve now backed him even further by following his recommendation to appoint Ross Wilson. It is significant that Wilson has been quoted as saying “no one is more important than the manager”.

CEO David Hopkinson had this to say on Wilson’s appointment; "I am delighted to welcome Ross to Newcastle United. His experience and expertise immediately strengthen us, and his appointment is another important step forward in our journey.

"Ross has a track record of delivering strategic change. He has instilled processes and built relationships that have helped his clubs to win and grow, and he has demonstrated his ability to enhance talent pathways and integrate women’s football into the same high-performing culture.

Having already established a positive relationship with David Hopkinson, Eddie now has the key men around him who will allow him to concentrate 100% on the squad whilst still retaining the control he wants over player retention and recruitment..

The extent of that control is evident; normally the CEO and DoF will be the key decision makers in choosing a manager, yet in this case it’s Eddie who has had the biggest say in choosing the DoF. Few managers, if any, in the modern game get that degree of control. 

But that clearly shows just how much PIF value Eddie Howe and how great their desire is to remove any thoughts he might have of being tempted away from St James’ Park far removed from his mind.

The truth is; Eddie Howe is more important to the future of Newcastle United than any member of the squad. 

The old saying that one man doesn’t make a team is true of players… take Portugal who still won the 2016 European Cup final 1-0 against France even though Ronaldo in his prime suffered an ACL after just 25 minutes.

But, it isn’t stretching the truth to say that one manager can make a team, and there can be no more proof of that than what Eddie Howe has achieved at Newcastle United since he was appointed manager.

The appointment of Ross Wilson cements Eddie’s power at SJP. At this time in our development and history he is irreplaceable.

Comments welcome.

Go to all blog articles