Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth’s relationship at Newcastle United was not as inharmonious as first thought.
It was reported at the start of the year that Eddie Howe was not concerned about Dan Ashworth leaving Newcastle United, after the sporting director was placed on gardening leave ahead of a move to Manchester United.
It felt like not everything was actually rosy behind the scenes at Newcastle United, as Ashworth took his talents to Old Trafford.
However, his time in the North West has already come to an end. Ashworth left Manchester United on Sunday, and his departure occurred just a few days after Eddie Howe told the media what he really thought of him.
Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe (R) looks on with Academy Director Steve Harper (L) and Sporting Director Dan Ashworth (C) during the Premie...
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Eddie Howe praised Dan Ashworth last week
During an appearance on Simon Jordan’s Up Front podcast, Howe was asked what Manchester United are getting in Dan Ashworth.
“Really smart guy,” he said.
“Very well organised. I think Dan’s biggest strength is he looks at things from top to bottom. He’s a really good problem solver. He will work his way through things from structural viewpoint and then rebuild them.
“I got on really well with him. I have a lot of time for him. Really sad to see him go, but also understood his view point and wish him well.”
Newcastle must focus on the future rather than dwell on Ashworth past
Howe wished Ashworth well, but now the former FA chief is out of work. It is a staggering situation, with Ashworth’s differing opinions behind the scenes at Old Trafford resulting in an early departure.
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It was reported that Ashworth suggested Howe as a possible Man United manager, as they searched for a replacement for Erik ten Hag.
Howe was one of multiple managers with Premier League experience that Ashworth suggested, which is evidence that there was nothing wrong with their relationship at St James’ Park.
In fact, it has been reported that Ashworth may have stayed at Newcastle had he known Amanda Staveley was going to depart.
Perhaps that might have suited Howe, as he spoke glowingly about Ashworth ahead of his shock departure from Manchester United. He certainly spoke more positively than he ever has about Paul Mitchell, who is still becoming accustomed to life as Newcastle United sporting director.
It has been a tense start to his relationship with Howe, but the hope is that things are moving in the right direction. Newcastle are interested in signing Johan Bakayoko, with both Howe and Mitchell in agreement over the winger’s quality.
Ultimately, Newcastle cannot dwell on the past. All they can do is look towards the future – a future that hopefully has Howe and Mitchell working together for a very long time.
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