The appointment of Dan Ashworth as Newcastle United’s Sporting Director has excited Toon fans as well as been universally praised by journalists and pundits alike. It is the first big move by the owners when it comes to appointments off the pitch.
There was a fear that Newcastle would have to wait until at least November before Ashworth could take up his role having resigned in February from a similar position at Brighton. He was placed on gardening leave with no given time for when he would be able to officially join Newcastle.
However, the Magpies in May confirmed his appointment and are now just waiting on Premier League approval before he can officially start his new role. His track record at Brighton, the FA and West Brom leaves his CV as one of the best in the business.
Ashworth joined Brighton in 2019, and Richie Mills who covers the South Coast club for Sussex Live has kindly popped onto The Everything is Black and White Podcast to provide a unique insight into how Ashworth worked at The Seagulls.
In a fascinating episode, Mills discusses Ashworth’s relationship with Brighton boss Graham Potter and what that can tell us about what’s to come with Eddie Howe. There’s also an insight into Ashworth’s emphasis on youth, his role in sending players out on loan, and his eye for talent.
Speaking about what Newcastle are getting with Ashworth, Mills noted: “You’re getting a very shrewd operator, someone who won’t be held to ransom in terms of transfer fees, and I think Newcastle fans can expect some very exciting transfers in the windows to come. He will look to connect the club better in terms of its departments.
“He will get them more streamlined and singing from the same hymn book and there will be a strong emphasis on youth. That’s in terms of finding the next Newcastle player of tomorrow, and he’ll look to build a Newcastle DNA.”
You can listen to the full episode by playing the widget above. You can also listen by clicking here . Please remember to like and follow the podcast through your podcast provider.
