Jack Ross to Newcastle: What Will He Bring as a ‘Head of Football Strategy’?

An ex-Sunderland manager to take on an important backstage role with arch-rivals Newcastle United was certainly not on our Premier League 2025/26 bingo cards.

But that is exactly what has happened with a familiar face returning to the North East, in a different shade of stripes, in Jack Ross.

Whilst the former Mackem is by no means working at Newcastle with the same managerial presence that failed him at the Stadium of Light all of those years back, Ross will still play a key part for the Magpies next term, after being appointed as the club’s ‘Head of Football Strategy.’

This unique job title is in not the most patent in the sport; however, Newcastle have described the new role in simple terms as “an important leadership role that will help to develop a consistent sporting philosophy across the club.”

Although it is not common for one man to have batted for both sides in the North East, Ross has in fact been working with Newcastle United since 2023. He was working as a Head of Coach Development amidst the club’s academy system, which few people were previously aware of.

What Does His New Role Entail?

Jack Ross’ new position is one that could bolster the overall development of Newcastle United, throughout not just the first team, but the academy and women’s teams as well.

We have appointed Jack Ross as our Head of Football Strategy 🤝

Reporting into a new Sporting Director, Jack will take on an important leadership role that will help to develop a consistent sporting philosophy across the club.

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 14, 2025

His appointment has come at a chaotic time at the club, with the departure of Sporting Director Paul Mitchell and the imminent exit of CEO Darren Eagles through health issues. However, Newcastle have certainly set out a long-term plan with Ross, detailing exactly what he will be in for.

The club’s public announcement of Jack Ross’ recent appointment read the following…

“He will work within the Football Directorate alongside senior leadership across all sites, supporting communication, collaboration and the implementation of best practice across men’s, women’s and Academy football.”

“In addition to overseeing the club’s player loan and emerging talent strategy, Jack will also lead on building strategic relationships with other clubs, introducing new football development and talent pathway opportunities in the UK and overseas.”

“The establishment of this model is aimed at enabling talent depth and retention, as well as supporting the development of Newcastle United’s global brand and IP.”

There is no doubt that this could help boost Newcastle United’s performance on the pitch heading to a season with Champions League football on their hands. The model will help raise talent through the club, stemming from the youth teams, and help bridge the gap between the first team and these youth teams.

Not only will this assist the crucial need for squad depth – especially considering how many games the Magpies will be playing amongst recent European pushes – but it will also offer the club a mammoth pool of talent to pick from. This would significantly help to lower the costs of transfers.

This appointment could be massive for the Newcastle United Women as well. At the moment, they occupy themselves in the Women’s Championship, which is the second tier of women’s football in England.

We’re delighted to announce the signing of Lionesses midfielder & WSL record appearance maker Jordan Nobbs! 🤝 pic.twitter.com/3TsTMqT2Fy

— Newcastle United Women (@NUFCWomen) July 15, 2025

Considering how well the men’s side have performed as of late and their consistency in their respective top flight, Jack Ross could be the right man to help bring the women’s team to the same level.

The Scotsmen certainly has the right eye for talent; through the plethora of experience he has built up in coaching and throughout his player career.

What is Jack Ross’ Background?

Following a fruitful career on the pitch – predominantly across the Scottish Leagues – Jack Ross went straight down the coaching route, like many former players do.

The same year as his retirement, Ross worked as an assistant manager for a couple of clubs, including Dumbarton and Hearts. These roles helped the Scotsman to build up vital experience in the coaching side of things, before receiving his big break.

In late 2015, Ross was appointed as the new manager of Alloa Athletic in the Scottish Championship. Despite facing relegation in his first season with the club, the then 39-year-old was offered a new contract with the club, which helped him to flourish.

Congratulations to Sport Careers client Jack Ross on his appointment as first team manager at Alloa Athletic pic.twitter.com/RXrGxDasIf

— Football Careers (@footycareers) December 15, 2015

This attracted attention from other clubs, including St Mirren, who picked him up in October 2016. In his two years as boss, he steered St Mirren to safety in the second tier and then won the league title the year following – all whilst being approached by other clubs in both Scotland and England.

Shortly after winning the Scottish Championship title, a newly relegated Sunderland appointed Jack Ross on a two-year deal upon their shocking arrival to League One. Despite reaching the playoff final and EFL trophy final in his first season, losing both times at Wembley was miles below Sunderland’s prestigious standards.

As he continued to underperform even more during the opening to his second season with the Black Cats, Ross was sacked by the club in October 2019.

📰 #SAFC announce this afternoon that it has terminated the contract of manager Jack Ross.

Full story... 👇https://t.co/rua4kO5nHa

— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) October 8, 2019

In the aftermath of his only managerial role in England, Jack Ross went back to Scotland – but this time the Premiership. He signed for Hibernian as head coach just one month after his last job and led the club to their highest finish in 16 years – 3rd place.

His stint with Hibs went on for over two years, until a run of seven defeats in nine league games saw the manager once again sacked.

He was then brought in by Dundee United for what was only an excursion of an appointment, as his reign as manager lasted just seven games in 2022 before being waved away.

Then came Newcastle, as he took on a new role as Head of Coach Development in 2023. Now, after sticking at it, Ross has climbed his way up the club, into the position he has now been granted.

How Can His New Role Shape Newcastle into a Consistent Top 4 Team?

The last five years of football has been a joy for Newcastle United fans. After being a relegation threatened side for a long spell in the Premier League, under the unfavourable ownership of Mike Ashley, Newcastle are back on their way.

Their investment from Saudi Arabia has ignited new prospects for the club, including Champions League football twice round, in the space of just three seasons. However, they are still not quite an established top four side, guaranteed to reach the prestigious European competition year in, year out.

Champions League ready. ✨ pic.twitter.com/VUa42o5Siv

— Newcastle United (@NUFC) July 13, 2025

The Magpies have made some excellent transfers since their investment, but that is not something you always want to rely on. Considering them as being one of the biggest, if not the biggest team in the North East, their academy talent factory is not often reflected in the first team.

There were only three academy graduates that made an appearance for Newcastle in the Premier League last season, showing a burning desire for improvement amongst the club's youth ranks.

Jack Ross may be the man to fix that, as he explores channels to make the academy more first team ready. Ultimately, this could help push Newcastle towards being an established top four team, as the reliable squad depth you get from homegrown products will save heaps of money in the long run.

This money could then be used to pick up a handful of marquee signings to really push them forwards – as we see with teams such as Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester City.