Newcastle United promote Jack Ross to assistant sporting director
Newcastle United have made a change within their football recruitment structure by promoting Jack Ross to the role of Assistant Sporting Director, where he will work alongside sporting director Ross Wilson.
The move follows the departure of two important figures from Newcastle’s recruitment department this month. Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson left St James’ Park to become sporting director at Championship club Wrexham, while senior football executive Andy Howe, the nephew of former Newcastle head coach Eddie Howe, also departed after the summer transfer window.
Ross had previously worked under Wilson in his position as Head of Football Strategy. He will now take on a more senior role supporting Wilson, with both men sharing Scottish roots and coming from Falkirk.
The 50-year-old confirmed his promotion on LinkedIn, writing: “I am excited to share that I have moved to the position of Assistant Sporting Director at Newcastle United Football Club.”
Ross arrived at Newcastle in March 2023 after taking up the position of Head of Coach Development within the club’s academy. He later moved into the role of Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships before being appointed Head of Football Strategy in July 2025.
His previous position was described by Newcastle as a key leadership role aimed at developing a consistent footballing philosophy across the club’s men’s, women’s and academy teams.
Ross has also played a major role in developing relationships with clubs in the UK and abroad, while helping create new opportunities around player development and talent pathways.
Another important part of his responsibilities has been overseeing Newcastle’s loan strategy and the development of emerging young talent.
His promotion now gives Wilson a new senior figure within the sporting structure following the recent departures of Nickson and Andy Howe.