For the second time since buying Newcastle United, PIF are going to appoint a sporting director.

The first person they brought in was Dan Ashworth, who was viewed as the man to lead Newcastle United into a very bright future.

That is still the end goal for the Magpies under PIF’s ownership, but Ashworth will no longer be the driving force. That is because he is on his way to Manchester United, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe poaching the former FA chief.

Toon officials have been forced to find a replacement, and it looks like their search is edging closer towards a conclusion.

Newcastle United eager to appoint new sporting director

Newcastle United want a new sporting director in place before the end of this month, and have narrowed their search down to two candidates – Dougie Freedman and Johannes Spors.

The former has interviewed very well, and looks more than likely to be the man who gets the job at St James’ Park.

That is the view of TBR Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about Newcastle’s approach for Dougie Freedman.

Where Newcastle United’s move for Dougie Freedman is at right now

“Yeah, he’s in the driving seat,” he said.

“He has impressed during the interview process. He came into it – I’m not sure Newcastle saw him as a favourite, but he has massively impressed.

“From my understanding, he is the one who Eddie Howe wants. It’s a big plus point for Howe to have the one he wants – not to say he doesn’t like Spors, he just prefers Freedman, from what I’m hearing.

“It is described to me as 80% there, if not more. I think Freedman is firmly on course to fill that role.”

Dougie Freedman will be a ‘good appointment’ for Newcastle

With Freedman on course to become Newcastle’s new sporting director, the conversation will now shift towards whether or not the Magpies have backed the right horse.

Bailey has given his verdict, admitting that Freedman is a ‘good appointment’, albeit far from a blockbuster one.

“I think it’s a good appointment. I think it’s interestingly not a ‘wow’ appointment,” he added.

“Speaking to people in the game and considering where Newcastle want to go, it’s a very good appointment but a very un-PIF appointment in some ways. It’s not a blockbuster appointment, but it’s safe.”

Fans must trust the process at Newcastle

Freedman certainly is not a blockbuster appointment, but I don’t think he needs to be. After all, he is a behind the scenes figure.

And he comes highly respected, having done a wonderful job at Crystal Palace. If he can replicate that success at St James’ Park then he will prove to be a wonderful appointment.

For fans, they simply must trust the process. While it is not a mega name, the club have got most major decisions right since the change of ownership. From signings to boardroom hires, Newcastle officials have barely missed a beat since PIF replaced Mike Ashley. Their track record would therefore dictate the Freedman is going to be a great choice, even if he is not necessarily a sexy appointment.

If it is Freedman who gets the job, then it will be in Freedman we trust.

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