NEWCASTLE: Newcastle are losing another sporting director after the Premier League club announced Paul Mitchell is stepping down next month.

Mitchell took the position only last July following the departure of Newcastle鈥檚 previous sporting director, Dan Ashworth, to Manchester United.

Mitchell was leaving 鈥渄ue to health reasons鈥� and his departure was 鈥渂y mutual consent,鈥� Saudi-backed Newcastle said on Tuesday.

There were reports of tension between Mitchell and Newcastle manager Eddie Howe at the start of this season.

Newcastle won the English League Cup in March for their first major domestic trophy in 70 years, and finished in fifth place in the Premier League to qualify for next season鈥檚 Champions League.

鈥淭he club are in great hands on and off the pitch,鈥� Mitchell said, 鈥渁nd are in a fantastic position to continue building.

鈥淚鈥檇 like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.鈥�

Mitchell previously worked for Tottenham, Leipzig and Monaco.