Former Celtic Head of Football Operations Nicky Hammond has joined superrich Premier League side Newcastle United. Hammond left his role at Celtic earlier this year following a poor season last year amidst suggestions of the club creating a new Director of Football position.
Sky Sports have confirmed that Hammond will join the St James Park side on a short term deal to help Eddie Howe sign a number of players with their new owners ready to bankroll a charge up the table.
The former West Brom and Reading recruitment chief joined on a temporary basis in the summer of 2019, before his move was made permanent later that summer. The former goalkeeper oversaw the recruitment at the club and was personally involved with scouting and signing Vasilis Barkas from AEK Athens.
Hammond oversaw four transfer windows and has been criticised for some of the acquisitions in the past – such as Ajeti, Klimala, Barkas and Duffy. All of whom failed to make an impact during a turgid 2020/21 season for Celtic. He will be looking to exercise the Newcastle millions and sign a large quantity of players to address their poor season so far.