Newcastle United's sporting director Dan Ashworth has been hailed as 'first-class' by new Chelsea manager Graham Potter following his emotional Brighton exit. The Magpies chief received the special mention as Potter penned a touching farewell letter to supporters on the south coast earlier this week.
Potter said goodbye to the Amex Stadium on Thursday as he signed a five-year deal as Thomas Tuchel's replacement at Chelsea. The fan-favourite exits Brighton with the club in fourth-place in the Premier League following a flying start to the season.
Potter and Ashworth worked together at the club until the latter left to take up his new role at Newcastle earlier this year. But there was still a mention for the former FA director in the open letter to fans.
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"I would like to thank Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and the directors for the opportunity they gave me three years ago and then the unswerving support that came with it," Potter said. "My gratitude also to Dan Ashworth and David Weir, two first-class technical directors.
"To the staff at both the stadium and the training ground: all of you have impressed me with the pride you have taken in your work. You supported the club and you also supported me through some tough times in my personal life. Brighton & Hove Albion is a club full of good people who work together in the right way to accomplish things."
Brighton's success in recent months has led to Ashworth and Potter being poached to embark on new challenges. Newcastle will be hoping the 51-year-old can replicate his success on Tyneside following his appointment as sporting director.
Under Ashworth, Brighton signed players from Austria, Spain, Poland, Belgium, Czech Republic, Ecuador, The Netherlands, Switzerland and England's lower leagues among others. He focused on young, fresh talent from a range of countries. Notable examples include Leandro Trossard, who arrived from Belgian's top flight and has been a revelation in the Premier League.
Moises Caicedo is another who falls into that category, with Brighton beating Manchester United and Chelsea to the signature of the Independiente del Valle teenager for £4.5m back in 2020. He has started the season in fine form and looks to have a bright future ahead.
Pascal Gross joined from Ingolstadt 04, Pervis Estupinan from Villarreal, Joel Veltman from Ajax and record signing Enock Mwepu was poached from RB Salzburg. Each one of these gems look set to play a huge role for Brighton this term.
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