Latest news with #AndyHowe
BBC News
2 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
Wissa threatens not to play for Brentford
Yoane Wissa has held crunch talks with Brentford director of football Phil Giles, during which he threatened not to play for them again if he is not allowed to move to Newcastle, a source has told BBC forward Wissa is the subject of major interest from the Magpies, who have already had one offer turned down for the flew back from the club's pre-season training camp in Portugal earlier this week for talks with Giles, as he made clear his intention to move to St James' are yet to sanction his transfer to the north-east, which, sources claim, has annoyed close to the situation claim Wissa believes Brentford are reneging on an agreement to let him leave the club should a sufficient offer be Sport has been told Wissa is so infuriated that he is threatening not to play for the club again if they fail to permit his move to is understood Giles has held further talks with Newcastle's acting sporting director Andy Howe over the past 24 hours - but a deal is still to be protracted transfer is still possible, according to sources close to the matter.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers ecstatic after catching rare glimpse of critically endangered creature in nature refuge: 'It's very gratifying'
Researchers ecstatic after catching rare glimpse of critically endangered creature in nature refuge: 'It's very gratifying' A tussle between two wild animals caught on a trail camera revealed happy news about an elusive species–and ended happily for both critters. In hours of footage captured at Richard Underwood Nature Refuge in Australia, a northern hairy‑nosed wombat tried to take on a short‑beaked echidna, revealing exciting conservation updates for researchers about conservation efforts for the endangered wombat species, according to a report from The researchers noted that the young wombat looked healthy, with a smooth coat and sturdy build, suggesting plenty of foraging opportunities and low-stress conditions. "It's very gratifying to know that one of the world's most critically endangered animals is doing well and breeding within the safety of the fenced area," Andy Howe of the Australian Wildlife Conservancy told the outlet. Only 400 northern hairy‑nosed wombats live in the wild currently. In 2009, a group of 15 wombats was moved to the park as part of conservation efforts. According to the researchers, the junior wombat's appearance on camera confirmed that a second generation is doing well without hand-feeding from humans. Wombats are important to the health of the soil in the ecosystem thanks to their burrowing, which brings important nutrients to the surface and helps mix organic matter and seedlings, according to WIRES (Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service). Their burrows also provide shelter for other species, making them crucial to more species during increasingly intense heatwaves in the Outback. In their report, the researchers noted the importance of trail cameras in helping monitor wombat health by letting "ecologists confirm pouch emergence dates, monitor health, and detect any intruding wild dogs before disaster strikes," explained. Scientists around the world have been able to track more and more species with trail cameras, making hopeful discoveries like the return of the pangolin in India, wolves in North America, and rare otter behavior in Israel. As for the fight between the wombat and the echidna, for the spiny-backed marsupial, it was hardly a fight at all, as the wombat was all bluff and the echidna just kept walking by. "It's a nervous wombat and a happy echidna," biologist Tim Flannery of the Australian Museum told the outlet. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Solve the daily Crossword
ABC News
5 days ago
- Science
- ABC News
Parasitic wasp collected by Queensland students identified as new species
A parasitic wasp captured in a trap set by Queensland school students has been identified as a new species. It was recently recognised in peer-reviewed research after it was found in 2022. Since the discovery is so new, researcher Andy Howe said not much was known about the species other than how it reproduced. "They will lay their eggs in or on a host, another insect," Dr Howe, an entomologist at the University of the Sunshine Coast, said. Despite the gruesome parasitoid life cycle, Dr Howe said the creatures had delicate features. "It has lovely long antennae and cool little wings. It's very small, which is impressive in itself, but it has really fine, beautiful detailed structure on its back and cool big eyes," Dr Howe said. But outside of that, he said it was not clear how widespread the wasps were. "We know nothing, or very little, about how abundant they are … that would depend on their host, and the type of habitat that they use." The students who discovered the species at Gin Gin, west of Bundaberg, described the wasp as "creepy" but "very cool". Gin Gin was one of 50 schools in Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia involved in a citizen science program in 2022, capturing hundreds of insects. The students used Malaise traps, which are tent-like structures made of netting. Specimens were sent to the Centre for Biodiversity Genomics in Canada for DNA barcoding. It was there, the parasitoid species was identified, and the Gin Gin school community chose its name, Cotesia ginginensis. The findings have now been published in the peer-reviewed Zootaxa Journal. Karyn Goodman, head of science at Gin Gin State High School, said it had been an anxious but exciting wait for news. "The kids and the staff are just so excited that we've gone through the long process, and finally we have an outcome, and we're forever going to be in the history books," she said. Ms Goodman said the project had strengthened the students' understanding of science and respect for the land. "Making that connection for them that what they do now, what they get involved in, what they contribute to, does have that ripple effect out there in the world." Past student at Gin Gin State High School, Caitlin Caunt, said the group had not expected to find anything new. "It's very cool. We didn't really believe at first and [finding out] it was published was like, 'Wow, that actually happened,'" she said. Ms Caunt said the project gave the students some valuable life lessons. "We learnt that even though we think that we've discovered everything, we've always got to keep looking, because there's always something that we haven't found," she said. Dr Howe said it was the ideal outcome. "We thought that they would [but] we didn't make any promises," he said. "There are 220,000-plus species of insects in Australia, and like 30 to 33 per cent of them have been described, so they have a formal scientific name. "So that means that the chance of finding one of those [undescribed species] is fairly high, and thankfully, we did."
New York Times
19-06-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Newcastle's search for their next sporting director: What we're hearing
Andy Howe and Steve Nickson have been placed in interim charge of first-team recruitment as Newcastle United look to appoint their third sporting director inside a year. Howe, Newcastle's assistant head of recruitment, and nephew of Eddie Howe, the head coach, has been tasked with driving the hunt for new signings alongside Nickson, given Paul Mitchell is leaving his role on June 30. Advertisement While Mitchell will remain involved until then, agents and clubs are now being directed towards Andy Howe, with Nickson, the head of recruitment, also heavily involved, given his experience. This arrangement was effectively formalised on Tuesday. Mitchell only took up his position last July, when Dan Ashworth's four-month spell on gardening leave ended and he joined Manchester United. Despite having announced his decision to leave 'by mutual consent' on May 27, Mitchell is continuing to advise Newcastle on their transfer strategy. Meanwhile, Newcastle are sounding out permanent candidates to replace him. The next sporting director is expected to come from outside the club, rather than from within, even though Nickson has been proposed publicly, and he, along with Andy Howe, has been empowered during this interim phase. Here is what The Athletic is hearing about that process and its consequences. As one senior figure put it — speaking on condition of anonymity, like others throughout this article — the situation is 'far from ideal'. There are short and long-term answers. As far as Newcastle's permanent structure is concerned, Excel Search & Advisory (formerly Nolan Partners) are leading the search. Nolan Partners were involved in Ashworth's recruitment, plus that of Peter Silverstone, Newcastle's chief commercial officer. If Ashworth was seen as a club-builder, growing and connecting departments and giving them a common vision, Mitchell was, in the words of Newcastle's outgoing chief executive Darren Eales, about '90 per cent recruitment'. That was not the case in practice, with the role all-encompassing, but Eales' remark suggested Mitchell was brought in to oversee transfers. There is no single blueprint for what a sporting director should look like, but multiple sources have told The Athletic that Newcastle are leaning towards the architect model: someone to direct all football operations. Advertisement When the search is completed, Newcastle's ownership group will conduct interviews and make a final decision. Unlike with Mitchell, when Eddie Howe was given little-to-no notice of who would be coming in above him — a cause of huge disruption last summer — the head coach has been kept informed during the process. In the short term, Newcastle are insisting publicly that it is business as usual, in the limited sense that their transfer strategy is clearly mapped out. A transition has been occurring across June, with Mitchell passing on responsibility to varying departments. A similar transitional period may follow for Eales on the business side, depending upon when his replacement joins. With transfers, it is Andy Howe and Nickson, using the target list compiled at Eddie Howe's behest, who are collectively directing things. Bids are yet to be made for top targets, but the uniform message is that Newcastle are now in a position to make offers and try to conclude deals. It is hoped a signing or two can be made by the time Newcastle reconvene for pre-season training on July 7. Sales to ensure PSR (the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules) compliance are not required by June 30, though Newcastle will look to trade outwards as well as inwards. Mitchell will provide guidance and advice until the end of the month, Eales is still in post, while Jamie Reuben, the co-owner, and Jacobo Solis, the director, will be involved. Solis is head of European direct investments at Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), Newcastle's majority owners, and is a regular decision-making voice. While Nickson's title theoretically makes him Andy Howe's superior, the latter has worked with Eddie long-term and was influential in the purchases of Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Tino Livramento and Bruno Guimaraes, among others. He understands precisely what the head coach desires in a player and is said to be highly regarded by the board. Nickson has been head of recruitment since 2017, led the signings of Sven Botman and Joelinton, and has driven the purchase of young prospects, including Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia. Advertisement No firm timescale has been announced — even internally — regarding how long this improvised structure will be in place. Newcastle want to get this sporting director appointment right, given the recent churn in what is supposed to be a long-term strategic position, and are unlikely to rush into a decision. The suspicion at the top of the club is that a new CEO — former Real Madrid executive David Hopkinson is among the leading contenders — is still likely to precede a successor for Mitchell. Several of the names admired are believed to have lengthy notice periods in their contracts, as Ashworth did, so compensation would be required should Newcastle wish to extricate them early. The direction of travel appears to be more towards a 'club builder' in the Ashworth mould, someone who continues to connect departments and plan for the long run. Given the size of the club — and scale of the role — rookie operators are unlikely to get far, with Mitchell's replacement required to have an immediate effect. Aiding and improving the club's ability to spot and sign young and emerging talent is also deemed crucial, given how vital that is in a world governed by PSR. Maintaining a positive relationship with the head coach is also vital, especially given the well-documented early tension between Howe and Mitchell. Howe's authority has been fortified following a historic season, and it is critical the head coach and sporting director operate effectively. Ideally, Newcastle desire experience working at a club which has regularly qualified for European football — and preferably the Champions League. Although those already at the club, including Howe, have learned immeasurably from the 2023-24 campaign, aside from performance director James Bunce, few senior figures are seasoned at dealing with the additional demands of European football. Advertisement Someone who has overseen a multi-club model (MCM) elsewhere would also be valued. Mitchell has continued to explore the possibility of Newcastle creating an MCM of their own — that is part of Jack Ross's remit as head of strategic technical football partnerships — and, while progress is not necessarily imminent, it remains an attractive long-term option. Mitchell had European and MCM experience, which is partly why the ownership brought him in, but few sporting directors boast a background in both. There is also a belief that Newcastle's use of data can still be modernised and the department bolstered. The insistence from the top of Newcastle is that a leading contender has yet to emerge, although other sources have suggested Ross Wilson is regarded as the early front-runner. Wilson, who is Nottingham Forest's chief football officer, has worked in senior positions at Southampton, Huddersfield Town, Watford, Falkirk and Rangers, who won their first league title for a decade during his tenure, and reached the Europa League final. Wilson is believed to have a positive relationship with Howe and was spoken to during Newcastle's previous sporting director searches. He fits the general profile they are examining — the club have huge infrastructure projects in the pipeline — rather than being a specialist in recruitment. Julian Ward, the technical director for Fenway Sports Group, Liverpool's owners, is also admired, having overseen the signings of several current players and worked at the highest level on player development. This kind of experienced candidate is supported by some internally. Jason Ayto, former assistant sporting director at Arsenal, and Gavin Fleig, a backroom figure at Manchester City, have also been discussed. Dougie Freedman, now sporting director at Al Diriyah, turned down an approach from Newcastle prior to Mitchell's appointment while he was at Crystal Palace. Johannes Spors, now at Southampton, also made the final two-man shortlist last time. The strong suggestion is that it will not be an internal promotion because, according to multiple sources, it is 'too big a job' for that. One insider describes it as a 'monster of a job, but in a good way' — which hints at the magnitude of Newcastle's ambitions. Yasir Al-Rumayyan, club chairman and PIF governor, has repeatedly demanded that Newcastle strive to reach the top and the sporting director is vital to that. The misconception that a sporting director solely signs players is widespread (and Eales' comment compounded that). Mitchell has held responsibility for all footballing departments, from recruitment to the academy, medical, performance and the women's side. Advertisement In theory, the sporting director's remit is holistic and is about focusing upon the long term, even if the tenure of those in the position at Newcastle has been damagingly short. When he accepted the role, Mitchell was unaware of the extent of Newcastle's PSR limitations and significant work has been undertaken creating 'headroom' through restricted spending and sales. His successor will be tasked with providing Howe with the maximum permissible resources to achieve on-field success while maintaining financial prudence. The ownership does not want a repeat of last year's mad scramble to avoid a feared double-digit points deduction, or to have a repeat of their three-window stretch of failing to improve the first XI. That requires a tweaked 'trading model', with increased player sales essential to improve sustainability, and perversely to prevent the need to sell top talents like Alexander Isak or Tonali for knockdown prices. Newcastle's internal data revealed they had the third-highest average age for minutes played in the Premier League last season and the squad's age profile requires reducing. Although a further expansion of Newcastle's Benton facility is in the offing, the goal is still to build a state-of-the-art training centre and the sporting director will be important for that. There have been suggestions that Newcastle will look to tweak their executive football structure. Eales tried to reshape the power lines last summer when he appointed Mitchell, which theoretically weakened Howe's influence over transfers, and it is unclear whether the next sporting director will be as recruitment-focused. There have been claims Newcastle may split the position, with multiple figures instead given narrower remits — though that has not been confirmed. Regardless, a technical director has been sought for months, while a senior addition under a newly-created title is set to arrive later this summer. Grace Williams is joining from Crystal Palace as women's director of football, too. Ultimately, all big calls at Newcastle are ratified by Al-Rumayyan, but the board is expected to make a recommendation to the chairman. Should a CEO be appointed first, then they may have a say. Howe is, according to multiple sources, being made aware of developments this time. How far his influence stretches in this regard has been disputed, with some suggesting he will have a voice. (Top photos: Getty Images)
Daily Mail
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell LEAVES the club after less than a year in the role - and without making a first-team signing
Newcastle sporting director Paul Mitchell has left the club with immediate effect - and Andy Howe has been asked to step up to work alongside head of recruitment Steve Nickson. It was announced last month that Mitchell would be leaving by 'mutual consent' at the end of June. However, Mail Sport understands the original plan has been scrapped and the 43-year-old is no longer working for the club. He departs after less than a year in the role and without making a first-team signing. The search for his replacement is being led by Nolan Partners. As revealed last week, Nottingham Forest chief Ross Wilson is among the candidates and former Arsenal assistant sporting director Jason Ayto will be spoken to by Nolan. We can also reveal that Julian Ward, Liverpool 's technical director, is another name in the frame. Interviews are due to take place. In the meantime, the club have asked Andy Howe to work with Nickson as they look to build a squad capable of challenging on a domestic and European front next season. Howe, the nephew of head coach Eddie Howe, joined the Magpies in 2021 as head of technical scouting before being promoted to assistant head of first-team recruitment. He has played a key role in the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Tino Livramento and is well thought of within the club. Nickson and Andy Howe will now absorb the tasks that would have been the responsibility of Mitchell. Among Newcastle's targets are Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga and Brighton forward Joao Pedro. There has been little progress in recent days but it could be that the change among the transfer team accelerates their dealings.
