Journalist Keith Downie has claimed that there is a big decision to be made for Newcastle United ahead of the summer transfer window regarding Dan Ashworth.
Ashworth was the technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion, but following his resignation in February, he was put on gardening leave by the Seagulls. Newcastle were keen on bringing in Ashworth as their director of football following the club’s takeover.
The news was released that the Magpies will have to wait until November for the appointment of Ashworth, and transfer business may be left to Eddie Howe and PIF in the summer – just as it was in January – if they are left to wait for Ashworth’s appointment.
With the current situation regarding Ashworth’s arrival at Newcastle, Downie highlighted the issue whilst talking to GiveMeSport.
He said: “You have to say in terms of the whole restructure and the whole change of everything, that sets everything back a little bit because it’s a key position to get Dan Ashworth in.
“If you’re going to wait eight, nine or 10 months from the agreement, eight, nine or 10 months is a lot of time in football.
“To sit there for that amount of time and wait for him is a big decision to make. But, to be fair to them, they seem to be quite decisive when it comes to these things.”
TIF Thoughts on Keith Downie’s comments…
Newcastle United’s business was left down to Eddie Howe and PIF in January, and they managed to have a successful window by signing Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes, Matt Targett, Chris Wood and Dan Burn. The Magpies went eight Premier League games unbeaten after the turn of the year with their new players, so the investment worked.
So even if Ashworth does not arrive until later in the year, Howe and co may end up taking control again and invest in the players that they feel necessary given their recent successes on and off the pitch with Premier League football almost secured for next season.