Newcastle United Appoint Sudarshan Gopaladesikan As Technical Director

Last Updated:July 21, 2025, 22:23 IST

Newcastle United appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as Technical Director. He will lead football data operations, collaborating with Eddie Howe.

Sudarshan Gopaladesikan appointed as Newcastle United Technical Director (X/NUFC)

Newcastle United have appointed Sudarshan Gopaladesikan as the club’s Technical Director, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

Reporting to a new Sporting Director, Sudarshan will lead the club’s football data operations, collaborating closely with Eddie Howe and his coaching staff, as well as the performance, medical, analysis, methodology, and recruitment teams.

His role focuses on implementing data-informed practices across all sporting departments, including the men’s, women’s, and Academy teams.

Suds joins the Magpies after leaving Italian club Atalanta BC, where he served as Director of Football Intelligence. During his tenure in Bergamo, Atalanta achieved three consecutive top-five finishes in Serie A, won the UEFA Europa League, and reached the Coppa Italia final.

Before moving to Italy, he was Head of Sports Data Science at Portuguese club SL Benfica. During his five seasons in Lisbon, Benfica’s men’s team won the Primeira Liga title and reached the quarter-finals of both the UEFA Champions League and Europa League. Additionally, Benfica’s women’s team won two national titles, and the academy reached the UEFA Youth League final twice, winning the 2021/22 edition of the tournament.

Outside of his club experience, Suds lectures on data-driven decision making for FIFA’s Executive Education programmes and the PFA Business School.

What Did He Say?

Suds expressed his excitement: “I’m delighted and honoured to be joining Newcastle United as Technical Director. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with clubs that have deeply passionate fanbases, and Newcastle stands out for its unique connection between the team, the city and its supporters.

“I’m excited to work alongside the club’s talented staff to identify what helps give us a competitive edge. Most of all, I’m looking forward to experiencing the incredible matchday atmosphere at St. James’ Park and being part of this proud football family and community."

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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