'Precise' and 'not driven by money' Paul Mitchell is the perfect choice for Newcastle United

Newcastle United confirmed the appointment of Paul Mitchell as their new sporting director and he arrives armed with a number of positive references from former colleagues.

Mitchell comes to Newcastle off the back off successful spells in various prominent off-field roles with MK Dons, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur, RB Leipzig and Monaco, and he has left an impressive legacy wherever he has been.

Having signed the likes of Patrick Bamford at MK Dons, Sadio Mane at Southampton, Son Heung-Min at Tottenham and Christopher Nkunku at RB Leipzig, Mitchell's eye for talent is indisputable but his character aligns with Newcastle's vision.

So, as he begins a new relationship with Magpies head coach Eddie Howe, and Newcastle's senior management team, Chronicle Live has profiled what a number of Mitchell's former colleagues have said about him in the past.

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Karl Robinson

Speaking to Mail Online, former MK Dons manager Karl Robinson, who worked closely with Mitchell in Milton Keynes, was full of praise for Mitchell's ability and also his character.

"If you look at the clubs he’s been at, MK Dons, Southampton and Spurs, he’s always had amazing success. He’s been able to capture players for those clubs who have gone on to be really successful.

“And Paul’s a top fella as well. He started working for me at MK Dons many years ago and he’s gone on to do really well. He’s been very successful wherever he’s been and that’s why he’s so highly regarded within the game now.

“That’s testament to the man himself and he deserves real credit. He’s so driven as a person. But more importantly, he’s not driven by money.

“That means that when he’s doing a deal, the player in question has to want to play for the club or it won’t happen. Paul’s very clear and precise in his message. He managed to bring players like Patrick Bamford to MK Dons, who was a big part of what we achieved during that period of time.

“But it wasn’t just about the players Paul brought in for us. It’s about what he set up behind the scenes for MK Dons to carry on as a club."

Mauricio Pochettino

After Mitchell's departure from Tottenham in 2016, former Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino, who also worked with him at Southampton, could not hide his disappointment.

“It’s obvious that happened,” Pochettino said, when asked whether he had tried to persuade Mitchell to stay. “But when you take a choice and there are personal things that happened, there’s nothing to do – only respect his decision.

“I feel very disappointed with his decision. It’s his personal choice. We have a relationship from Southampton and I feel very disappointed. But when a person takes a personal decision, what can I do?"

Ralf Rangnick

After Mitchell's arrival at RB Leipzig, Ralf Rangnick, who worked at the club as both a manager and sporting director, praised Mitchell's 'impressive' record.

“I would like to offer Paul Mitchell a warm welcome to Leipzig and I’m delighted that he will be working with us from now on,” Rangnick told the Leipzig website.

“I am convinced that he is perfect for our team and I am looking forward to locking horns with him many times over potential new signings. He has been very impressive in his previous roles.”

Oleg Petrov, Monaco CEO

After Mitchell moved from Leipzig to Monaco, the club's vice president and CEO Oleg Petrov hailed Mitchell's 'skills in talent identification'.

"It is a great satisfaction to welcome Paul Mitchell to AS Monaco after several successful years with Red Bull and I would like to thank Red Bull for making his appointment possible in a very professional manner.

"Paul will bring his skills in talent identification, recruitment and the development of our players, from the Academy to the first team. Paul will be in charge of the sporting aspects of AS Monaco and I am convinced that his arrival will significantly strengthen our project."

Ronald Koeman

Meanwhile, former Southampton boss Ronald Koeman praised Mitchell after he swapped the South Coast for Tottenham in 2014.

"I think it more of a reflection of what he did and what the club is doing over the last few years," Koeman said.

"Okay, we would like to keep everybody in, but it is football, it is life. There are changes, not only with the players but managers, with technical directors, with chairmen - as well in the position of Paul Mitchell."