By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson has reportedly jumped to the front of the queue to become West Ham’s next Director of Football.
Nickson was promoted at Newcastle under former manager Rafa Benítez and, according to The Chronicle, has played a major role in identifying some of the club’s best signings in recent years.
It’s something of an open secret that West Ham are actively searching for a Director of Football as the club continues its restructuring following relegation from the Premier League and the resignation of former chairman David Sullivan.
A Name Finally Emerges
Daniel Kretinsky has taken a far more hands-on role in recent weeks, parachuting some of his trusted personnel into the club to help oversee the transition.
Whilst there has been plenty of information coming out of West Ham over the last few days, much of it positive, the identity of the club’s next recruitment chief has remained something of a mystery.
However, if reports in the North East are accurate, Nickson could be the man West Ham are targeting.
An Impressive Recruitment Record
Nickson has been credited with helping bring players such as Allan Saint-Maximin, Joelinton and Bruno Guimarães to Newcastle, amongst others.
The 61-year-old has spent more than a decade at St James’ Park and possesses a wealth of recruitment experience.
Whether he is genuinely West Ham’s first-choice candidate remains to be seen.
What is understood, however, is that manager Nuno Espírito Santo is helping the club work through a shortlist of potential candidates as the search continues.
With the transfer window already underway, West Ham will be keen to make an appointment sooner rather than later.