Wrexham are set to appoint Newcastle United's head of recruitment Steve Nickson as sporting director. Credit: nufc.co.uk
Wrexham are set to make one of the most significant off-field appointments in the club’s recent history after agreeing a deal to appoint Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson as their new sporting director, according to reports.
The experienced recruitment chief is expected to leave St James’ Park after 15 years to take up the role at the Cae Ras, adding another key figure to the club’s growing football operation as preparations continue for life in the Championship.
While Wrexham have yet to confirm the appointment, reports claim Nickson will officially begin work in September after completing his notice period following the close of the summer transfer window.
Steve Nickson’s arrival would mark another ambitious step for Wrexham
Nickson has built a strong reputation during his time at Newcastle, initially joining as head of youth recruitment before taking charge of the club’s first-team scouting department in 2017.
Throughout his time on Tyneside, he has helped oversee recruitment during one of the club’s most transformative periods, with players including Joelinton and Sven Botman arriving while he led Newcastle’s scouting operation.
According to reports, Wrexham moved quickly to secure Nickson’s services despite interest from other clubs, including West Ham United and Championship rivals Birmingham City.
The appointment is also said to have received the backing of manager Phil Parkinson, who has played a key role in shaping Wrexham’s football structure since leading the club back into the Football League before securing three successive promotions.
Should the move be completed as expected, Nickson would become Wrexham’s first permanent sporting director since the club’s rapid rise under owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, further strengthening the infrastructure behind the scenes.
His arrival would add extensive Premier League recruitment experience to a club that has continued to evolve both on and off the pitch following promotion to the Championship.
Rather than focusing solely on immediate transfer windows, a sporting director typically oversees recruitment strategy, long-term squad planning and the wider football department, working alongside the manager to support the club’s ambitions.
For Wrexham, bringing in someone with Nickson’s background would underline the owners’ continued investment in building sustainable foundations as the club prepares for the challenges of competing at Championship level.
The club has not commented publicly on the reports, and any appointment is expected to become official once Nickson’s notice period at Newcastle comes to an end after the summer transfer window closes.
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