Newcastle fans are far from pleased as they all say the same thing about their head of recruitment Steve Nickson joining West Ham.
The Hammers have been looking to appoint a new director of football as part of a major restructure following Daniel Kretinsky taking power in east London after the resignations of Karren Brady and David Sullivan and departure of Max Hahn.
That has reportedly led the Czech billionaire to Newcastle and their hugely respected recruitment chief Steve Nickson.
Sullivan has been West Ham’s de facto director of football since Tim Steidten was sacked 18 months ago.
Newcastle fans furious over Nickson leaving for West Ham
Hammers News reported on claims West Ham have offered the job to key Newcastle man Nickson, who was behind some of the club’s best signings over the last 15 years.
The Daily Mail’s Newcastle reporter Craig Hope poured cold water on claims Nickson was leaving Newcastle on Monday.
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But no sooner had he published an article denying the talent spotter’s exit amid links to West Ham, Kretinsky looked set for major Hammers coup after David Ornstein revealed Nickson is leaving the Magpies for a Championship club.
Ornstein stopped short of naming West Ham as the club Nickson is leaving for.
However, it seems the worst kept secret in football this week that Nickson is leaving for east London having been offered much more control and influence in what is essentially a promotion to director of football.
And it is fair to say Newcastle fans are not happy at all.
Many Magpies supporters blame Eddie Howe for the departure, accusing the manager of nepotism by hiring his nephew Andy and essentially promoting him above long-serving Nickson.
Newcastle fans have all been saying the same thing, that Nickson is a huge loss to their club and a massive coup for the Hammers.
West Ham getting Newcastle’s ‘crown jewel’ claim fans
Newcastle X accounts Magpie Media believes the Toon will struggle to recover from losing Nickson to West Ham.
“A truly crushing blow for this football club, one we may struggle to recover from,” Magpie Media said.
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“The negativity around Eddie Howe will increase tenfold with this news – and I can no longer say I disagree. Shambles.”
Another Newcastle supporter reacted to the news saying: “Every summer something ridiculous happens.”
Magpies fan Murph used a photo of Eddie Howe as a Star Wars villain, stating: “The Emperor and his family have completely taken over the football club.”
Another supporter says it is a disgrace Newcastle have lost Nickson to West Ham.
“This is an absolute disgrace. And what happens when you give jobs out to family members and promote them over top genuine staff. He would rather drop to the Championship then carry on at our joke operation.”
According to another fan, West Ham are getting Newcastle’s ‘crown jewel’.
“Not surprised in the slightest that Andy Howe, who joined as a domestic youth recruitment would replace our crown jewel talent spotter, Steve Nickson.”
Magpie Media went on to say West Ham deserve credit for giving Nickson a promotion he deserves.
“Finally, a football club is giving Steve Nickson a role reflective of his immense talent-spotting qualities. Can’t blame him at all for leaving to further his career – my anger is towards Newcastle for failing to recognise how valuable his input has been over the years.”
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