Insider reveals what Newcastle can expect from sporting director Ross Wilson and makes big prediction

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Newcastle United have officially confirmed the appointment of Ross Wilson as their new sporting director, and TBR Football can reveal what the club should expect.

Wilson, who previously held similar roles at Southampton and Rangers, has today taken up his post at St James’ Park after Paul Mitchell’s departure at the end of last season.

Eddie Howe is said to be relishing the opportunity to work with the experienced operator, who helped lead Nottingham Forest into Europe for the first time in 30 years during his two-year stint at the City Ground.

Forest also shattered their transfer record several times under Wilson, while he oversaw a number of big outgoings, including Anthony Elanga’s record £60million switch to Newcastle last summer.

Exclusive: Ross Wilson can lead Newcastle to the next level

Sources have told TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey that there is a real sense of optimism around Newcastle United because of Wilson’s impressive reputation.

“Ross Wilson is held in huge regard across football – he was behind Southampton’s deal for Virgil van Dijk, he helped mastermind Rangers’ dominance under Steven Gerrard,” Bailey said.

“And he has just spent more than two years under Evangelos Marinakis at Nottingham Forest.

“He is a top-end performer and following the disruptive period under Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell, the club’s board feel that Wilson is the ideal man who can be across the whole club from academy, to Eddie Howe, to the boardroom. He has that sort of experience.

“Going to Newcastle won’t hold any fears, he worked at Rangers and that is a club that is not too dissimilar in terms of a fervent fanbase, which results in constant pressure.

“There is a real belief within St James’ Park that Wilson could help take the club to the next level.”

Ross Wilson on Newcastle appointment

Wilson is understood to have already held productive talks with Howe as they prepare to work together for the first time, with the January transfer window also rapidly approaching.

“I’m absolutely delighted to be here at Newcastle United,” said Wilson.

“This is such a special club, and I fully understand the passion, ambition and expectations of our incredible supporters, as well as the ambition and desire of our ownership to keep developing and building an even stronger Newcastle United.

“My conversations with ownership have been extremely positive, and I’ve also been in regular contact with Eddie Howe and David Hopkinson.

“The trust, cohesion and alignment we’re building already feels strong, and we believe that being united as a team will be so important as we continue to move the club forward together. I’m excited to work with everyone across the different areas within our football department.

“There’s already excellent work being done here and, from the first team to the women’s team and academy, my aim is to build on that, strengthen our structures over time, and work with our staff to create environments where players and staff can continue to thrive.”