Jack Ross has been appointed as Newcastle United’s Head of Football Strategy, the Premier League club has confirmed.

The 49-year-old Scotsman, who previously managed Sunderland, St Mirren, Hibernian and Dundee United, will now play a key role in shaping Newcastle’s footballing direction and infrastructure.

Ross first joined the Magpies in 2023, taking on the role of Head of Coach Development within the academy, before progressing to Head of Strategic Technical Football Partnerships. In that position, he provided mentorship and strategic guidance to key personnel at the club.

In his new role, Ross will report to a soon-to-be-appointed Sporting Director and will be responsible for overseeing player loan pathways and emerging talent strategy. He will also be tasked with forging strategic relationships with clubs across the UK and abroad.

Speaking to Newcastle’s official website, Ross said:

"This is an exciting opportunity to help the club build on the outstanding progress and successes it has achieved on and off the pitch in recent seasons."

Newcastle United stated that Ross will play a central part in developing a cohesive sporting philosophy across all levels of the club, including the men’s, women’s and academy teams, with the goal of strengthening talent depth and retention.

As a player, Ross enjoyed spells as a full-back at Clyde, Hartlepool United, Falkirk, St Mirren, Hamilton Academical and Dunfermline Athletic, before beginning his managerial career with Alloa Athletic in 2015. His most recent managerial post came with Dundee United, which ended in August 2022 after a short-lived tenure.

In a related development, Darren Fletcher has been named Lead Coach of Newcastle’s Under-18s. The former Manchester United and Scotland midfielder, who made over 300 senior appearances for the Red Devils, has held a variety of backroom roles at Old Trafford since rejoining the club in 2021.