Dan Ashworth formally announced as Newcastle United Sporting Director
Ashworth was Technical Director at Brighton for three-and-a-half years
Written by Simon Austin — June 5, 2022
DAN ASHWORTH has formally started work as Newcastle United’s new Sporting Director after the club agreed compensation with Brighton and received approval for his appointment from the Premier League.
The 51-year-old had been on gardening leave from Brighton since they announced his departure in February. Compensation has now been agreed between the clubs, meaning Brighton have “released him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.”
Because the compensation figure exceeded £1m, the appointment required approval from the Premier League and, as TGG revealed last night, that ratification has now been received.
Ashworth joined Brighton in September 2018 from the Football Association and is regarded as one of English football’s finest strategists and leaders. He first worked as a Technical Director at West Brom, helping to cement the side in the Premier League with clever recruitment and development of the backroom staff and Academy.
During six years with the FA - first as Director of Elite Development and then Technical Director - he oversaw the introduction of the England DNA, upgraded coaching provision, hired elite support staff across the age ranges and masterminded the opening of St George’s Park.
On his watch the Under-17s and U20s won their respective World Cups, the U19s won the Euros and the senior men, led by Gareth Southgate, reached the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020.
Ashworth will be responsible for Newcastle's "overarching sporting strategy, football development and recruitment at all age levels", the club said. He will work closely with Head Coach Eddie Howe, Academy Manager Steve Harper and Head of Recruitment Steve Nickson.
"Newcastle United is an incredible football club and I’m delighted to be joining at this very exciting time," Ashworth said. "Each time I’ve been to St. James’ Park in the past, I have been reminded of the club's long history and the unrivalled passion of its fan base. It is a huge football club with great potential, and I am incredibly positive about what we can collectively achieve.
"I’m excited to start work immediately and look forward to being part of a team that is helping the club to grow and achieve long-term success."
The club’s investment group comprising PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media, added: "On behalf of the Board, staff and players, we would like to welcome Dan Ashworth to the Newcastle United family.
"Dan was the ideal person for this hugely important position. He has a strong track record in elite-level football and we are delighted to have him join Newcastle United ahead of the new season."
As TGG reported last week, David Weir has been promoted from Assistant Technical Director to replace Ashworth at Brighton.
PREMIER LEAGUE CLUBS WITH SPORTING DIRECTOR (OR EQUIVALENT)
- Arsenal: Technical Director - Edu
- Aston Villa: Sporting Director - Johan Lange
- Bournemouth: Technical Director - Richard Hughes; Assistant Technical Director - Simon Francis
- Brentford: Director of Football - Phil Giles
- Brighton: Technical Director - David Weir
- Chelsea: NONE (Petr Cech is Technical and Performance Advisor & Marina Granovskaia is Director)
- Crystal Palace: Sporting Director - Dougie Freedman
- Everton: Director of Football - Kevin Thelwell
- Fulham: Tony Khan - Director of Football Operations
- Leeds United: Director of Football - Victor Orta
- Leicester City: Director of Football - Jon Rudkin
- Liverpool: Sporting Director - Julian Ward
- Manchester City: Director of Football - Txiki Begiristain
- Manchester United: Football Director- John Murtough, Assistant Football Director - Andy O’Boyle
- Newcastle United: Sporting Director - Dan Ashworth
- Southampton: Director of Football Operations - Matt Crocker
- Tottenham: Managing Director, Football - Fabio Paratici
- Watford: Sporting Director - Cristiano Giaretta
- West Ham: NONE
- Wolves: Technical Director - Scott Sellars
