Of all the chaotic situations that have taken place both on and off the pitch since the 2021 takeover, Dan Ashworth’s departure ranks quite highly in terms of drama caused.

Joining us from Brighton back in February 2022 as our new sporting director, it was only two years later that Ashworth was placed on gardening leave as he was pushing to join none other than Manchester United.

We eventually received some significant compensation from the Red Devils for Ashworth’s services, and the icing on the cake came when Ashworth would only last five months in his new role.

So surely, any more of our staff and heads of department would think twice before making the move from the North East to the North West, right?

Man Utd to set poach key recruitment figure

According to The Mail’s Jack Gaughan and Chris Wheeler, Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley looks to be Man Utd bound, bringing an end to a three year tenure on Tyneside.

Midgley, who will fulfil the same role at Man Utd, is said to have been the chosen candidate from an extensive selection process, having previously worked with their director of football Jason Wilcox.

Resistance on our end is expected, however, as Gaughan and Wheeler note our reluctance to allow the aforementioned Ashworth go so easily without a worthwhile compensation package.

During his time with us, the 38-year-old Midgley has seen some talented tee s join our academy setup, with Sam Alabi and Michael Mills being two of the standout names who have quickly become England youth regulars since impressing for our Under-18s.

Newcastle’s recruitment at Under-18 level has been superb in recent years, making Midgley’s departure a disappointing at this stage of our Academy’s development.