Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-19 12:47:47
Newcastle’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has been placed on gardening leave after expressing his desire to join Manchester United. It is reported that United is eager to bring Ashworth on board as part of the restructuring following Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of a 25 percent stake to take control of football operations. The chairman of INEOS, the chemicals giant, has moved quickly to bolster United’s football leadership group, with a focus on recruitment.
Ashworth, who had been in his role at St James’ Park for 20 months, was a significant appointment by Newcastle’s new Saudi-backed owners following the completion of their takeover in October 2021. While it has been reported that there has not been formal contact between the two Premier League clubs, Ashworth was in attendance at St James’ Park on Saturday as Newcastle played to a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. Meanwhile, manager Eddie Howe expressed concerns over Ashworth’s knowledge of the club’s inner workings as speculation grew regarding his interest in the Old Trafford job.
Newcastle has chosen not to comment on the situation, which would leave them with a substantial void to fill. Reports indicate that Newcastle is seeking £20 million ($25 million) in compensation, and in the absence of a deal, Ashworth may not be able to commence a new role until early 2026. This development could impact the club greatly as they navigate their football operations. The departure of Ashworth, particularly at this juncture, holds potential consequences for Newcastle and their future plans.
As Ashworth goes on gardening leave, there is uncertainty about the implications this could have for Newcastle, especially as they seek to maintain and build on their position in the Premier League. His departure comes at a time when Newcastle is looking to solidify their standing in the league, and losing an important figure like Ashworth could pose significant challenges for the team. The timing of Ashworth’s departure adds complexity to the club’s efforts to build a strong foundation for their future in the league.
Ashworth’s tenure at Newcastle, particularly during a period of transition and change following the club’s takeover, underscores the importance of his role. His departure leaves a void that will need to be filled effectively in order to ensure a smooth continuation of operations at Newcastle. Additionally, the reported interest from Manchester United further complicates the situation, and Newcastle will need to navigate this period strategically to mitigate any potential impact.
In conclusion, Dan Ashworth’s decision to express his desire to join Manchester United has led to his placement on gardening leave from his role as Newcastle’s sporting director. This development poses challenges for both Newcastle and Ashworth himself. It remains to be seen how the situation will unfold and what the future holds for both clubs involved.
