Newcastle’s capture of director Dan Ashworth is a serious statement of intent

The new sporting director (or similar title) will have a hugely influential role in shaping the Toon’s future as they look to build a footballing dynasty with new Saudi cash, writes Lawrence Ostlere

Ashworth had been mulling an approach from Newcastle for several weeks (PA Wire)

Of all the signs that Newcastle United are building something serious and credible under their new Saudi-backed ownership – think of the carefully presented takeover, fronted by businesswoman Amanda Staveley, the appointment of an ambitious young manager in Eddie Howe, the raft of shiny new players – perhaps the most significant indicator yet came in a short club statement on Monday, issued 300 miles south of St James’ Park.

Brighton and Hove Albion announced that Dan Ashworth, their highly regarded technical director, was to leave the Amex Stadium after three years at the club. Ashworth had been mulling an approach from Newcastle for several weeks, a pause which suggests he was reluctant to ditch Brighton in the middle of the January transfer window, but he will now make the switch to one of the biggest jobs in football.

Ashworth will take up a position as sporting director (or similar title) and have a hugely influential role in shaping Newcastle’s ambitious project. The club’s owners want to reach the top of the game at home and in Europe, and there will be huge pressure on Ashworth to deliver it.

He is humble and intelligent, with an exceptional understanding of football’s intricacies on and off the pitch and outstanding leadership qualities. He built his reputation while at West Brom as one of the first technical directors in the English game, before excelling as the FA’s elite performance director, where he oversaw a major overhaul of the structure and culture around the England team. His work was hailed by manager Gareth Southgate and has borne fruit in recent major tournaments.

Ashworth had been linked with a number of clubs, including Manchester United in recent months before their capture of Ralf Rangnick, and Newcastle’s swift but calculated appointment of such a shrewd operator, poached from a Premier League rival, is quite a statement.

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At Brighton, Ashworth stitched the many departments together – men’s and women’s football, and the academy, recruitment, medical and even psychological support teams were aligned with his vision. A similar remit will be coming at Newcastle where he will need to forge close relationships with head coach Howe and the head of recruitment, Steve Nickson, as together they try to build a major force in English football to challenge the dominance of Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea.

Even spending vast sums of money will not make this a quick fix, and the reality is that Newcastle face a long journey from 19th in the Premier League table. But Ashworth clearly believes in the project, and his arrival could be a crucial early step in the road.

Yours,

Lawrence Ostlere

Assistant sport editor