Newcastle United might have to wait until the end of the year for Dan Ashworth to arrive.
The 51-year-old resigned from his role at Brighton in February, and has been on gardening leave ever since.
He’s set to join Newcastle as sporting director, but compensation is stopping him from getting started right away.
The Magpies need to agree a fee with Brighton to end his notice period early. That puts Newcastle in a tricky situation, as Brighton obviously want as much money as possible.
They’re set to see a key part of their club head to a Premier League rival. On top of that, everyone knows how rich Newcastle suddenly are.
But Newcastle won’t be bent over a barrel, creating something of a stalemate.
According to the Daily Mail, Ashworth might not start his job at Newcastle until November if he sees out his entire gardening leave.
That is a blow, but it will not hinder us this summer.
Newcastle proved in January they don’t need Dan Ashworth in the short-term
A lot was made about Newcastle’s lack of a sporting director in January. But did it matter?
The Magpies still made some brilliant signings, landing Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes. They also made sensible signings too, with Chris Wood, Matt Targett and Dan Burn arriving.
In total, Newcastle spent £92million on five players. And those five players have been pivotal in Eddie Howe’s side moving away from the relegation zone.
Short-term, Newcastle can live without Ashworth. The recruitment team in place have already identified key targets, and some of them are very exciting.
Steve Nickson working alongside Amanda Staveley was a success in January, and it can be a success again in the summer.
Ashworth is a long-term appointment. He will shape the future of the club and ensure every department is pulling in the same direction.
But for this summer, Newcastle can cope without him.
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