Dan Ashworth can finally get work as the new Sporting Director of Newcastle United.
He was first linked with joining the Magpies in December last year, then February brought news of a deal being agreed. After months of speculation, some time on gardening leave and a compensation package for Brighton, Ashworth is finally in the hot seat.
Newcastle confirmed his imminent arrival last week, subject to Premier League approval. That approval has now arrived, and the 51-year-old can start his new role at St James’ Park.
It’s a landmark appointment by the Magpies, who have nabbed one of the countries top sporting directors from Brighton.
While the club has taken great strides since the change of ownership, Ashworth is the man brought in to help transform Newcastle from top to bottom.
What Dan Ashworth has said about joining Newcastle
The club have confirmed on their official website that Ashworth will immediately get to work. Their statement also included comments from the man himself, who hadn’t previously commented on possibly joining Newcastle.
“Newcastle United is an incredible football club and I’m delighted to be joining at this very exciting time,” he said.
“Each time I’ve been to St. James’ Park in the past, I have been reminded of the club’s long history and the unrivalled passion of its fan base. It is a huge football club with great potential, and I am incredibly positive about what we can collectively achieve.
“I’m excited to start work immediately and look forward to being part of a team that is helping the club to grow and achieve long-term success.”
What Ashworth’s roles are at St James’ Park
In a statement confirming Ashworth’s arrival, the club also outlined what his exact role will be at St James’ Park.
Newcastle state that the former FA chief will be in charge of the club’s ‘overarching sporting strategy, football development and recruitment at all ages’. They also add that he will work closely with Eddie Howe, Steve Harper and Steve Nickson.
His recruitment reputation is what will excite fans the most. He did a wonderful job at Brighton with the players he brought to the Amex. Ashworth was responsible for signing the likes of Yves Bissouma and Marc Cucurella, with the latter now a target for Manchester City.
But, as the club state, Ashworth will be in charge of leading the overall vision of the club on the pitch. His role will to be influence Newcastle at every age group, with the idea of building a club that is prepared for the future and not just thriving in the present.
His appointment at St James’ Park is incredibly exciting, and this is a landmark day in the consortium’s Newcastle United project.
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