Earlier this week, Newcastle United announced their first summer ‘signing’ as Brighton’s Dan Ashworth, former FA director of elite development, arrived as the club’s new sporting director.
The Athletic have since reported on how the 51-year-old will aim to “transform” the club from “top to bottom” over the next few years in a bid from the owners to fulfill their long-term project of building an “elite sporting institution.”
They report that one of the first tasks he’s already been assigned is to help manager Eddie Howe move on the players we no longer require in order to make room for new crucial signings this summer.
With the majority of the squad soon to be entering the twilight of their career – even January signings like Wood, Trippier and Burn – the former FA man will face a huge challenge in flipping the squad in the next couple of years.
Multiple players such as Dwight Gayle, Isaac Hayden, Jeff Hendrick, Karl Darlow, Ciaran Clark, Federico Fernandez and Matt Ritchie will likely be deemed surplus to requirements, but some won’t be easy to be moved on given their age, current wages and lack of recent game time.
Elsewhere, The Athletic claim that ‘approval is imminent’ regarding his contract at the club, with the Premier League expected to give his contract – and official role on Tyneside – the green light ‘within days.’
