Revamp on the cards for Newcastle’s Academy next season

NEWCASTLE United chiefs are looking to revamp the club’s Academy next season.

The Chronicle understands under-18s’ coach Dave Watson is set to leave the youth set-up next season after deciding to opt for pastures new.

Watson’s departure is not connected to Peter Beardsley’s exit but the former Everton and Norwich star is set to be replaced.

Rafa Benitez is well aware of proposed changes and will be keen to put his own stamp on the Academy if he decides to remain at the club.

The club’s youth set-up is high on his list of priorities when it comes to the “project” he has in mind for the years ahead - but nothing has been sanctioned yet by managing director Lee Charnley or owner Mike Ashley.

We also understand United coach Ben Dawson - who stepped up his position after Beardsley’s exit - is set to oversee the technical side of the Academy’s coaching set-up and a refined role could be in store for the Geordie coach.

Benitez is keen for United to produce more stars like Sean Longstaff and Paul Dummett and has told Ashley he can save him millions in the transfer market if he gets his way. The Academy has benefited from the all-weather pitches Benitez requested three years ago while improvements to changing facilities have also been made.

Benitez shelved other plans in 2016/17 as he focused on promotion to the Premier League.

He is keen to get back to “coaching the coaches” during sessions next summer - if he stays.