Report: Newcastle in talks for 54-year-old, Pardew labelled him a ‘great professional’

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The Daily Mail claim Newcastle United have held talks for Nick Hammond as a potential option for the vacant sporting director role – less than a year since he left Scottish side Celtic, back in March.

Hammond, 54, is quickly developing a highly-rated reputation after spells with West Brom, and then Celtic. He spent the best part of two years at Parkhead, mostly working with Neil Lennon.

Now, he has emerged as an option for Newcastle. The Toon remain on the lookout for a new sporting director – after being turned down not only by Ajax chief Marc Overmars, but also Michael Emenalo.

The report states that Newcastle have held talks to bring the ex-Arsenal and Swindon Town player. Of course, Hammond worked under Alan Pardew during the latter’s brief stint as Baggies gaffer.

Speaking to the Express & Star after joining West Brom in 2017, Pardew said: “When I went back in it was an opportunity with people I really felt comfortable with.

“The chairman here and of course Nicky Hammond, who I worked with at Reading. I class him as not only a great working professional but also a friend.”

Hammond to Newcastle: Is ex-Celtic man somewhat underwhelming?

Without a doubt. Hammond has worked at Reading, West Brom and then Celtic – but over the past few seasons, Celtic’s transfer strategy had been criticised. Many poor signings occurred during Hammond’s reign.

So, does he really deserve the millions on offer at Newcastle? A nearly unlimited budget, given the wealth of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, twinned with the Financial Fairplay boundaries the Toon boast?

Newcastle can do better – Hammond has got to be a last resort, and only because he is without a club.