Former Celtic Head of Football Operations Nick Hammond, who oversaw the club’s signings in 20-21, has landed a temporary consulting gig at Newcastle United, according to a report.
The Athletic report that Hammond will be helping Magpies boss Eddie Howe in the upcoming January transfer window. With Newcastle United mired in a relegation battle, but backed by seemingly infinite Saudi wealth, it’s an interesting – and lucrative – time for Hammond to get involved.
Hammond was largely known at Celtic for some misguided transfer steps. Under his watch, along with Neil Lennon, the club brought in the likes of Vasilis Barkas, Shane Duffy, Albian Ajeti, Jonjoe Kenny (on loan).
When he left Celtic, it was under something of a cloud.
Now, though, Hammond will be tasked with helping Eddie Howe to build a resilient Newcastle United squad.
The monied Magpies sit second-from-bottom in the Premier League, with one fewer win than last-placed Norwich City. They’ve lost 4 of their last 6 games.
What’s certain is that their defence needs significant improvement. Newcastle have shipped 37 goals; the worst in the entire league. Moreover, some grit in the midfield, better full-back options and likely a striker are required just to stay up.
Celtic fans will be baffled by Nick Hammond falling upwards to Newcastle United role
It’s only temporary, according to the Athletic anyway, but what an opportunity this is for Nick Hammond.
Perhaps his reputation is better in England than it is in Scotland. Without putting too fine a point on it, terrible recruitment at Celtic was a key factor for the failures of 20-21. We lacked a decent goalkeeper and often, reliable centre-backs.
In attack, we had plenty of strikers, but none who could adequately step in when Edouard was out. There was barely anything available to us in wide positions, and much of the transfer business seemed dictated by panic rather than methodology.
So, the former Reading and West Brom chief must interview well.
For sure, it’s an incredible opportunity for him. And how funny it is that he’s working with, of all people, Eddie Howe. Perhaps in a parallel universe, that’s a duo employed by Celtic.
His new club, though, will be banking on Hammond getting this right. He has good contacts and a decent record of keeping teams competitive in England.
A wry smile can be afforded to Celtic supporters though. It’ll be fascinating to see how he gets on.
Read more: Celtic boss compared to Ralf Rangnick by ex-striker who lobbied Sunderland to hire him
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