Newcastle Finalise Backroom Staff with Smith Appointment

Newcastle have finalised their backroom staff ahead of the forthcoming season, with the appointment of FA Coach Simon Smith as the new First Team Goalkeeping Coach.

He will replace Andy Woodman, who signed with Crystal Palace last week. 

Smith, who previously worked at the club from 1993 until 2004, returns to his hometown club after eight years working with England’s development teams across various age groups.  The role, it seems, would have had him working in close proximity with Newcastle goalkeeping prosepct, Freddie Woodman.

The FA had this to say this morning:

“On behalf of The FA and especially the goalkeeping department, I would like to thank Simon for his contribution over the last eight years,” said Martin Thomas, The FA’s national goalkeeping coach. 

“Simon has been a fundamental part of the provision for the development of goalkeepers and goalkeepers’ coaches at all levels of the game. It is a fantastic opportunity for him to return to work for the club closest to his heart.

It’s great that we’ve finally sorted out the new-look backroom staff ahead of the coming season. But with just five days to go until the Premier League opener with Southampton, you have to ask why it wasn’t sorted out sooner. 

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