Newcastle United supporters became quite accustomed to disappointing summers during Mike Ashley's 14-year Tyneside tenure. Fatiguing transfer windows saw cheap deals sought, often with hours to spare before the deadline, as the Magpies hierarchy worked unilaterally, sanctioning signings without the blessing of the coach in the dugout.
Those days seem a world away following the change of ownership last October, with the new regime seeking the right the wrongs of the Sports Direct tycoon. Dan Ashworth's arrival is a huge statement to the rest of the Premier League, with everyone at the club now pulling in the same direction when it comes to transfers, the academy and more.
Young players breaking into the first-team was a rare sight under Ashley due to his disregard for the youth setup. However, that may be about to change in the near future, with the club already laying the foundations this summer.
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There has been a notable change in strategy on Tyneside in recent months, with Newcastle now going after the best young talent from all four home nations and beyond. Friday will see free agent Jordan Hackett join the club following his release from Tottenham.
The 18-year-old made 22 appearances for Spurs' Under 18s in recent seasons and played for Newcastle Under 23s in a trial as they claimed a 3-2 win over Rangers B last month. The left-back is one of 12 youngsters to be released by Tottenham but has represented England at Under-16 level and earned a call-up to the Under-18 squad in March 2021.
Another teenage target this summer is 16-year-old Tyler Dibling. Southampton's brightest youth prospect showed what he was capable of earlier this year, netting a hat-trick at St. James' Park against Newcastle's Under-23s.
The U16 England international is highly rated on Tyneside and is someone Newcastle are reportedly keen on signing. So impressive were Dibling's performances for Southampton's U18 and B-team sides this term, it prompted Saints boss Ralph Hassenhuttl to include the teenager on the bench for a Premier League tie against Brentford last season.
Next it's a trip north of the border which is where you will find Kilmarnock teenager Charlie McArthur. Wanted by the likes of Liverpool and Brighton in recent months, the central defender is one of the best young prospects in the country at present. The Magpies have already agreed terms with the player earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Alex Murphy is one young talent already tied down by Newcastle. The former Galway star is tipped to have a big future after impressing in Ireland. Academy manager Steve Harper has hailed the deal as 'a real coup' and said it was 'testament to the direction the club is going in under our owners'.
No longer are Newcastle looking for first-team additions who can be brought in on the cheap or can be sold on for a higher resale price. The hierarchy want the best and brightest to bolster their youth setup.
Meanwhile, the newest academy recruits were announced by Newcastle on Thursday, with the club confirming scholarships for nine teenagers who will join the club full-time after leaving school this summer.
Johnny Emerson, who made his under-21s debut at the age of 16 in December 2021 during a Premier League Cup victory against Watford, is one of the scholars.
Lewis Miley, Rory and Harry Powell, Josh Donaldson, Dylan Charlton, Scott Bailey, Darren Palmer and Carter Milmore are the other names hoping to progress through the ranks in the years to come.
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