Newcastle raid bitter rivals Sunderland in the first major move of their Saudi-led regime with Elliot Dickman to be appointed as U23s coach after 26 YEARS with the Black Cats
- Newcastle are set to make the first major move of their Saudi-led regime
- Elliot Dickman is set to take over as U23s coach after 26 years at Sunderland
- The role has been vacant since Chris Hogg left for MK Dons back in August
- Newcastle’s search for a new manager is now likely to move into a third week
Newcastle are set to make the first significant appointment of the new Saudi-led regime, with Elliott Dickman taking over as Under-23s coach after 26 years at North-East rivals Sunderland.
Sportsmail can reveal that the 43-year-old will fill the role that has been vacant since August, when Chris Hogg left to become assistant manager at MK Dons.
Academy chief Steve Harper has led the search and has interviewed several candidates, including former Magpies striker Shefki Kuqi.
Newcastle are set to appoint long-term Sunderland man Elliott Dickman as their U23s coach
But it is Dickman who has landed a position that is set to become integral to the future of the club, given the want of the new owners to invest in youth development.
Dickman was a highly-rated youth-team player at Sunderland but was forced to retire aged 20 because of a persistent hip problem.
He has risen through the coaching ranks on Wearside and, since 2017, he has been in charge of the Under-23s side. His departure will come as a shock to followers of Sunderland given his longstanding connection with the club.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s search for a new first-team boss is likely to enter a third week. Paulo Fonseca remains the bookies’ favourite after talks last week, but sources have suggested he is not necessarily the frontrunner.
Lucien Favre, Unai Emery and Roberto Martinez were three names still being discussed over the weekend.
Newcastle’s new manager hunt continues with Paulo Fonseca not necessarily the frontrunner
