Dr Ian Mitchell leaves Wales role to join Newcastle United as head of psychology
- Published
Dr Ian Mitchell (left) worked with Wales senior men's side manager Robert Page as well as age-grade and women's teams
Dr Ian Mitchell has left the Football Association of Wales (FAW) to join Newcastle United as the Premier League club's new head of psychology.
Mitchell rejoined the FAW as head of performance psychology in April, having worked there from 2014 to 2018.
After his first stint with the FAW, he spent five years with the Football Association in England.
Mitchell, an ex-Hereford United player, also worked with Swansea City during their time in the Premier League.
Although he is leaving his FAW role on a full-time basis to join Newcastle, he will continue to work with Wales' senior men's side for the rest of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.
"I was delighted to return to the FAW in a new role as head of performance psychology to develop and lead a strategy across the association," said Mitchell.
"However, the opportunity to join a big Premier League club such as Newcastle United at this exciting time and competing in the Champions League, has resulted in my decision to leave the association on a full-time basis.
"Nonetheless, I am really pleased to continue with my role with the men's national team for the remainder of the European Championship campaign and support the wider high-performance strategy."
The FAW's chief football officer, Dr David Adams, said: "Ian has provided the FAW with a platform to enhance our performance psychology across our national teams, and we recognise the importance of this area to support our athletes' performance both on and off the pitch.
"Ian will continue to advise on aspects of our high-performance strategy and to support Rob [Page, Wales manager] and the men's team in the coming months as we continue our journey to qualify to the European Championship."
Dan Ashworth, Newcastle United's sporting director, said: "I am delighted to welcome Ian to Newcastle United, where he will fulfil a hugely important role for staff and players.
"Psychology is a crucial part of the modern game and to recruit someone of Ian's standing and experience in sport, and in particular football, is very pleasing.
"We are committed to supporting our people, ensuring our staff and players feel fully supported and equipped for the unique challenges of elite-level sports."