Newcastle search for two additions you won't find in the transfer market as investment continues

Newcastle United are searching for new first-team analysts as the club's performance department continues to expand.

Newcastle are recruiting for a first-team analyst, following Billy Coulston's departure to Hudl in April after nearly a decade working at the club, while the Magpies are also on the lookout for a new first-team data analyst before the start of the new campaign. These appointments follow Mark Leyland's arrival from Liverpool last December, as the club's first ever coach analyst, and Newcastle signing a multi-year deal with StatsBomb as the Magpies' data and analytics provider earlier this year.

This increased backing should, perhaps, not come as a surprise after the club's takeover last October and Eddie Howe's arrival more than a month later. Under Howe, after all, Newcastle have used analysis and data effectively in so many ways, particularly at set-pieces.

Newcastle have become one of the most effective sides from corners and free-kicks in the Premier League since Howe and his staff arrived, and assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones and first-team coach Stephen Purches have devised a host of clever routines. It is worth noting, then, that the new first-team analyst's responsibilities will include a detailed focus on set-plays as well as training analysis, pre-match preparations and post-match feedback.

The data analyst, meanwhile, according to the job advert, will collect, collate, analyse and feed back key data to coaching staff and players 'in relation to Newcastle United's playing philosophy'. The new recruit will also work closely with the recruitment department in developing key metrics for the 'future planning of the playing squad'.

This new role has been created after Howe vowed last April