Paul Mitchell discusses Newcastle United's "sporting strategy" after fresh appointment


Newcastle United have welcomed Diarmuid O’Carroll as the club's lead Under-21 manager.

The 37-year-old has left his role as number 2 at St Mirren to work with the club's brightest young talents and give the second strong a fresh look. It is an appointment that has left sporting director Paul Mitchell delighted after a summer-long search for Ben Dawson's replacement.

After making the appointment, Mitchell said: "Diarmuid is a very highly regarded coach and is a great fit for the profile we have been looking to recruit.

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"He has amassed a wealth of experience during the formative years of his coaching career, working across youth, men’s and women’s club football and at international level.

"The Academy is a cornerstone of our sporting strategy, and Diarmuid’s role is a crucial one in preparing players for the next significant step in their development journeys.

"The Academy has produced exceptional players over recent years, and we look forward to supporting Steve Harper, Diarmuid and our Academy team in continuing to build on that excellent record."

Former Motherwell Under-18s boss, O'Carroll said: "I'm really excited to come in. It's a role I'm really looking forward to getting stuck into.

"The club speaks for itself in terms of the size, stature and fanbase. It's a really exciting time now as well with the ownership and everything that is planned going forward.

"The opportunity to come in is something I would've never expected, but when it come across my desk, it was a really exciting one and a quick process."

And Academy boss Steve Harper commented: "I’m delighted Diarmuid has accepted the opportunity to become Lead Coach of Newcastle United Under-21s.

"He is a young, progressive and ambitious coach, and will play a key role in supporting our talent pathway into the first team.

"I’d also like to thank Jack Ross, Neil Winskill and everyone connected with the Under-21s for their hard work and collaborative approach while we recruited into this position.

"We have gone through a rigorous process, and in Diarmuid, we have an exceptional coach and person joining us. I’d like to welcome him to the Newcastle United family."