Newcastle United are set to raid Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock for their head of goalkeeping Fraser Stewart. The 37-year-old coach will join the club's under-21 setup to work under lead coach Robbie Stockdale.
Stewart has been in his role at Rugby Park for four years, having taken the position in 2022. He brings extensive experience from a decade with the Scottish Football Association, where he worked with the Scotland under-21 and women's national teams, and a previous nine-year spell with Rangers. At Kilmarnock, he was instrumental in recruiting and developing goalkeepers Max Stryjek and Calum Ferrie, working under managers Derek McInnes, Stuart Kettlewell and current boss Neil McCann.
Kilmarnock seek replacement
McCann is now tasked with finding a replacement for the departing Stewart. A potential candidate is Conor Brennan, the current goalkeeping academy coach at Rangers. The Northern Irishman, a former Kilmarnock player, is known to McCann and his assistant from their shared time at Ibrox under interim manager Barry Ferguson. Brennan previously stepped up to a first-team role at Rangers before Allan McGregor's return. Kilmarnock's search is underway as the team, having taken 10 points from their first five league matches, aims to maintain a strong defensive record.
Newcastle's Scottish strategy
The move continues a clear recruitment strategy at St James' Park, which has seen the club bolster its operations with several key Scottish appointments. Last week, Newcastle confirmed Jack Ross as assistant sporting director, working under sporting director Ross Wilson, who himself assumed the role in October after a spell at Rangers. Stewart's brother, Colin, is also a prominent figure in goalkeeping development, serving as the pathway lead at Liverpool's academy.
This backroom strengthening comes as Eddie Howe's first team sits ninth in the Premier League with eight points from five games. The team's recent form includes a 2-1 victory over Brentford and a 3-1 defeat to Brighton, with their next challenge an away trip to face Coventry City on 12 October. The club's under-21 side, which Stewart will join, has started its Premier League 2 campaign with a win and a draw from its opening two fixtures. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures and standings pages. Stewart will begin his new role working with Newcastle's young goalkeepers under the guidance of Robbie Stockdale.
The original report is at Daily Record Football
