DAN Ashworth has fulfilled a number of high-profile executive roles in professional football.
But who is he and when did he become director of Newcastle United? Here’s everything you need to know.
GettyDan Ashworth pictured at St. James Park[/caption]
Who is Dan Ashworth?
Dan Ashworth, born March 6, 1971, is an English football director.
At the time of writing, Ashworth is working as sporting director for Premier League club Newcastle United.
Ashworth has fulfilled a number of high-profile executive roles in professional football, including sporting and technical director at West Bromwich Albion, director of elite development at the Football Association and, technical director at Brighton and Hove Albion.
While his role at the Seagulls was not only limited to recruitment, Ashworth oversaw the arrivals of a number of success stories in the transfer market, including the signings of Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder and Marc Cucurella.
In December 2023, The Sun revealed that Newcastle are braced for a call that will take their sporting director Dan Ashworth to Manchester United once the protracted buy-in by Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes place.
Ashworth is first choice for the football supremo role should Ratcliffe and sidekick Sir Dave Brailsford finally take 25 per cent of Old Trafford.
The Red Devils could offer Ashworth a role that could convince him to quit Newcastle barely a year after joining.
Newcastle can place Ashworth on gardening leave for an extended period of time — as Brighton did when they lost him.
Who did Dan Ashworth play for?
As a player, Ashworth spent time at Norwich City during his youth career, before joining non-league club Eastbourne Town, playing 21 games and scoring four goals.
He also spent time at St. Leonards and Wisbech Town, with Ashworth leaving the latter in 2000.
When did Dan Ashworth become director of Newcastle United?
In June 2022, Newcastle United announced that Dan Ashworth had commenced his role as the club’s sporting director after receiving formal Premier League approval, following his move from Brighton and Hove Albion.
The club announced in May that an agreement had been reached to formally release Ashworth from his contractual duties as Brighton and Hove Albion’s technical director and complete a move to the Magpies.
A statement from the club read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.
“The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval.
“Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process.”
A Brighton statement read: “Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Brighton.
“The terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will remain confidential between the clubs.
“We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future.”