What Dan Ashworth told staff about rebuilding Newcastle United when he joined

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Newcastle United and Dan Ashworth appear to be at a crossroads.

The Magpies worked tirelessly to make Dan Ashworth their Sporting Director in 2022, and now he could be about to walk away from St James’ Park.

Rumours of the 52-year-old joining Manchester United have intensified over the past 24 hours, with Newcastle fearful that he is going to take his talents to Old Trafford. On top of that, there is confidence from Man United’s end that a deal is going to be done.

That will be a big blow for Newcastle, who have been sounding out potential replacements for months, just in case.

It is now looking likely that he will go, less than two years after starting his role at Newcastle United. He was viewed as a majorly impressive hire, and was tasked with leading the Toon project that is being funded by PIF, with the view to making the Magpies one of the biggest clubs in the world.

What Dan Ashworth told Newcastle United when he arrived

Now the Athletic have shared details of what Ashworth told the club when he first joined them in 2022.

According to the Athletic, Ashworth told Newcastle United that it will take them three summer transfer windows to rebuild the squad under his guidance.

Since then, two summer transfer windows have passed, with the third coming up at the end of the season. It will be a defining transfer window according to Ashworth’s strategy, but he might not even be here to implement it.

That will be a great shame, but hopefully whoever takes his place can finish the job Ashworth started and complete the Toon squad rebuild.

During Ashworth’s previous two summer transfer windows on Tyneside, we have seen the club splash the cash. They have made some really interesting signings, the majority of which have had a major impact in black and white.

His two biggest signings have been Alexander Isak and Sandro Tonali, with the latter yet to really make his mark after being hit with a ban until August.

But other arrivals like Nick Pope and Sven Botman have been hugely influential, while the future is bright with Tino Livramento in defence.

Ashworth has helped provide Eddie Howe with an exciting squad that is full of potential, and it will continue to be reshaped this summer – with or without Ashworth.