Newcastle United line up replacement as Premier League poach key figure

Newcastle United are reportedly set to make a key appointment to their backroom staff as one long-serving member of the Magpies setup prepares to leave his role at St James Park.

The Athletic has reported the Magpies are set to appoint Brentford’s Dr Naheem S Ali to a senior position within their medical team as he succeeds long-serving chief medical officer Dr Paul Catterson. The latter is set to take up a new position with the Premier League and is working a notice period with the Magpies with The Athletic stating he is under contract for the next three months.

Dr Ali, who has held positions with EFL clubs Barnet and Millwall and with England and Great Britain ice hockey, has been Brentford’s lead doctor for the last two years and is currently on gardening leave - but could take up his new position with the Magpies as recently as next month.

The move comes after another departure from the Magpies coaching staff was confirmed after goalkeeper coach Daniel Garcia confirmed he had taken up a role with Premier League rivals Aston Villa. The Spaniard originally joined United after a spell with La Liga club Rayo Vallecano in 2018 and has held coaching roles within the Magpies academy and first team setup. However, he has taken to social media to confirm his time on Tyneside has come to an end.

Posting on X, Garcia said: "I've joined Aston Villa as Goalkeeping Assistant Coach. Today the season starts. Proud to be part of it. Up the Villa."

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