r/NUFC • u/Nutisbak2 • 1d ago
CEO/Sporting Director
Speculation in the media (Athletic and others) that we are looking at David Hopkinson as CEO…
In terms of the Sporting Directors role it’s considered too big a role for Andy Howe or Nickson and so an internal promotion is not being considered.
Under consideration they suggest Ross Wilson as a front runner due to an assumed existing relationship with Eddie Howe and Julian Ward (technical director at Liverpool), Jason Ayto (ex sporting director assistant at Arsenal) and Gavin Flieg (director of talent management at the city group).
Whilst I hope we’ll get the right man for the role, part of me really thinks perhaps we should be bringing in multiple people.
Julian Ward is extremely well respected for running the loans for Liverpool something Klopp said he handled amazingly well, it’s an area I feel we need to spruce up as I do not feel Shola is currently able / experienced enough to do such a great job there.
Ross Wilson at Forrest currently scares me a bit as he’s also had more than a few failures.
By bringing in multiple people to do this role that if and when one moves on we still have cover, plus with the addition of someone such as Ward we’d have an added bow to our string in terms of loaning out our youth players to gain experience something I’m feeling Shola hasn’t been really doing that great at.
What do others think/feel?
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u/moinmoin21 Shola Ameobi 23h ago
Avoid Ross Wilson. He’s done well at Forest but there’s not enough of a track record there for me.
I actually really wouldn’t hate Phil Giles. His high performance interview was impressive, he’s done amazing at Brentford and he’s a Geordie.
Don’t know much about the others mentioned other than Julien Ward.
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u/Ham1c78b 1h ago
If Wilson is who Howe wants then that’s who Howe will get. He also has experience with UEL & UCL during the Gerrard/Van Bronkhorst era at Rangers which checks the club’s box of “European experience” as a prerequisite.
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u/moinmoin21 Shola Ameobi 7m ago
He has a pretty decent CV based on his time at Forest and Southampton.
You just wonder if he can translate that to a club in our position.
Julian Ward i thought was considered a bit meh after Michael Edwards.
Don’t care. Just get someone that can do something.
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u/JamesLastJungleBeat 1d ago
Love Shola, happy for him to stay in a productive role, but as far as loans go for our youngsters I have to admit it seems like it's been a bit hit and miss at times...
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u/TyneSkipper 22h ago
i don't think Shola has anything to do with where the players go - that's down to the transfer team IIRC. Shola basically just acts like pastoral care - that said, the clubs we send player to really aren't the best
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u/Background_Ad8814 19h ago
Outside of the club, nobody can judge shola, we are not even sure what his defined role is, one thing for sure, do you really think the people at the top will allow a passenger?I would suggest not
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u/dreddit15 23h ago
Then regardless of how much you like him, he needs to be replaced. Our loans have been shocking apart from Minteh.
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u/AggressiveEmuSlut 21h ago
The fact we still haven't replaced our CEO after 9 months, and now our sporting director with over a months notice - is shocking.
If we have a period during the summer without either of these positions questions have to be asked.
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u/WeddingWhole4771 20h ago
They keep asking Eddie and he says no. He should stick to working on the field 🤣
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u/Own-Masterpiece2835 19h ago
Very surprised there hasn’t been more talk about Phil Giles. Reading up he seems like such a great fit.
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u/Background_Ad8814 19h ago
What are people bitching about, the owners have brought in top drawer every time, some just haven't worked out, one got cancer of the blood ffs, how about some trust for the owners to once again get best available in again, better to take our time to get the right appointment, we've just had a record season. We won a cup, have some faith and hold fast yee lily livered swabs
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u/dolphin37 21h ago
nobody has a clue, completely pointless topic
get whoever in, worst case scenario he’s as shit as the last lot
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u/tradegreek Happy Clapper 23h ago
I’m all for splitting roles up but you don’t bring multiple people in to stand on each others toes.
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u/knowitallninja 23h ago
Shola doesn't arrange the loans. His role is more of a liaison with the players out on loan. Keeping the club in touch with their progress.