NEWCASTLE UNITED have announced the appointment of Brad Miller as their new Chief Operating Officer.

Miller will lead on the club’s capital investment strategy and work with the existing members of the operations team, and report into Newcastle's CEO, Darren Eales.

He has previously held a range of senior leadership and advisory roles, primarily in the aviation and property sectors.

He arrives at St. James’ Park from Ferrovial Vertiports, a subsidiary of leading global infrastructure operator Ferrovial, which operates major aviation facilities around the world.

A chartered surveyor by background, Miller has provided leadership for a range of major transformational projects during his career, including delivery of the £1.3bn transformation of Manchester Airport’s Terminal 2 while with the Manchester Airport Group (MAG).

While working with MAG, Miller’s positions included managing director of East Midlands Airport, chief operating officer at both London Stansted and Manchester airports and managing director of MAG’s e-commerce and digital business. He also helped establish MAG’s North America operation.

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Eales said: “Brad is an exceptional operator and we are delighted to welcome him to the Newcastle United family.

“He brings with him an outstanding track record in both operational and developmental projects, and his creative, collaborative and strategic leadership will be a huge asset to us as we continue to strive for best-in-class in all that we do.”

Miller added: “I am looking forward to helping Newcastle United to move forward with its ambitious, sustainable development plans and to working alongside such dedicated and passionate people. It is an incredibly exciting and unique time for everyone involved with the club.”

Newcastle continue to search for a new sporting director, with Dan Ashworth currently still on gardening leave after expressing an interest to take on a similar role at Manchester United.

The Magpies held extensive talks with Dougie Freedman, but the Scot decided to sign a new contract with his existing employers, Crystal Palace, rather than move to Tyneside.

The Newcastle hierarchy have also held talks with Johannes Spors, the global sporting director of 777 Group, who own clubs around the world including Genoa, Hertha Berlin, Standard Liege and Vasco da Gama.

The discussions have been described as ‘productive’, with Spors previously having worked in recruitment at Hoffenheim, RB Leipzig and Vitesse Arnhem.

Ashworth will remain in limbo until Newcastle have appointed a replacement, with Manchester United having so far been unable to agree a compensation fee for the former FA chief.