Newcastle United are recruiting for a new coach which now puts Jason Tindall’s input into question
Fancy Yourself a Set-Piece Genius on EAFC? Newcastle United Might Have the Perfect Job for You
Are you a master of the sneaky near-post corner or a wizard with perfectly executed free kicks in EAFC? If you pride yourself on your tactical creativity with dead-ball scenarios—at least virtually—Newcastle United has just announced a position that might catch your eye (though it’s probably best if your skills extend beyond the console).
Earlier today, Newcastle United posted an intriguing job opening on their official website. The club is on the hunt for a Set-Piece Coach to join the first-team coaching staff. This isn’t just any behind-the-scenes role—it’s a chance to become a key part of the Magpies’ pursuit of tactical excellence in both offensive and defensive set plays.
Until now, assistant manager Jason Tindall has often been associated with Newcastle’s set-piece strategies, having followed head coach Eddie Howe from Bournemouth. Tindall’s influence has been apparent in some of the more imaginative routines we’ve seen under Howe’s tenure. However, the latest move from the club signals a desire to bring in a dedicated expert to lead this crucial area—freeing up Tindall to focus elsewhere.
To be fair, while Newcastle have occasionally impressed with clever routines off corners and free kicks, the club hasn’t exactly built a reputation as a dead-ball powerhouse. Set pieces have been more of an occasional weapon than a consistent threat. It now appears that the club wants to turn that around in a serious way.
Newcastle United Are Seeking an Elite-Level Specialist
According to the official job description, Newcastle are seeking “an experienced and innovative elite-level coach to support our First Team by leading the strategic planning, design, and execution of all offensive and defensive set-play routines.” The chosen candidate will collaborate closely with analysts, first-team coaches, and players to ensure the team makes the most of every dead-ball opportunity.
So no, excelling in Football Manager or consistently scoring from corners in EAFC probably won’t cut it here—this is a high-level position that demands real-world experience, tactical insight, and the ability to deliver measurable results.
Set-Pieces: The Next Frontier for Newcastle’s Growth
This recruitment move underscores Newcastle United’s ongoing commitment to progress. Rather than resting on their recent improvements, the club is actively identifying areas for refinement and acting on them. And as any seasoned football fan knows, well-drilled set pieces can make the difference in tight games—especially when the open-play creativity just isn’t clicking.
Too often last season, the Magpies found themselves dominating possession or putting in the hard yards without finding the back of the net. In matches where open-play chances were few and far between, a rehearsed corner routine or a surprise free-kick setup could’ve flipped the script. It’s clear Newcastle want to make sure they have those tools in their arsenal next time around.
Bringing in a specialist coach could help turn those frustrating 0-0s or narrow losses into decisive wins. It’s a smart, forward-thinking move that fans will be hoping pays dividends on the pitch.
A Sign of Ambition—and Hopefully Goals
This move is more than just a staffing update—it’s a statement. Newcastle United are not content with just being competitive; they want to be clinical. They’re searching for marginal gains in every department, and set pieces are a prime area to exploit.
Should the club find the right person for the job, supporters can look forward to seeing slick, creative routines straight from the training ground—routines that could very well be the difference between three points and one.
All in all, this job posting is a promising sign that Newcastle are serious about taking that next step. And if the new coach delivers, we may be seeing a lot more goals from corners and free kicks next season—and a lot fewer groans from wasted opportunities.
Let’s just hope whoever gets the role leaves the EAFC controller at home and brings the real-world magic to St. James’ Park.