by Staff Writer
Friday, 10th July 2026
Harrison Ashby left West Ham United in January 2023 ahead of what he hoped what be a glittering Premier League career.
21 at the time, the right back had rejected West Ham's lucrative contract offer in order to move to Newcastle who had prepared a more tempting financial package.
Ashby, who had been at West Ham since he was only nine years old had made just four start for West Ham when he chose to move to the north east - two in the Carabao Cup and two in Europe, plus three substitute appearance - just one of which was in the Premier League.
But fast forward three-and-a-half years and Ashby, who was unveiled to a hero's welcome at St James' Park when announced as a Magpie is yet to make a single first team start for Newcastle,
24 now, Harrison has represented Swansea City, Queens Park Rangers and, most recently, Bradford City on loan in the last three years while he waited for his Premier League career to kick-off.
But that appears as unlikely now as it ever did, with Ashby having signed up for a FOURTH loan - this time, a season-long spell at League One Luton Town who are currently managed by Jack Wilshere, alongside whom Ashby made his Hammers debut.
"It was rather quick in the making," said Ashby. "I’m quite used to going out on loan at the end of the window, so it’s nice getting something in early. I’ll be with the lads now for a full pre-season, which will help towards me getting to know everyone and helping the club.
“My first chat with Jack really sold the move to me. Being with him at West Ham, it was a bit of a little reunion for us, and after five minutes I said to my agent, ‘Yes, I want to be here’. It wasn’t really that hard a decision. The main thing is that he knows what kind of character I am already, and he knows what kind of player I am as well.
And WIlshere added: "I was playing alongside Harrison for West Ham when he made his debut, and you could tell that he had something. I kept an eye on him going to Newcastle because Eddie Howe is someone I worked with and a coach that I respect, so I always thought that he’d be good for him.
"It probably hasn’t quite worked out for him how he wanted it to, but Eddie Howe has definitely done a good job of developing him as a player, but also as a person. He’s grown up so much. He’s someone I see who can fit straight into this group and help us on the pitch.
"Going out on his loans in the Championship and League One has probably helped him grow up a lot as well. Harrison is a good footballer, and always has been, but he had to go out and learn the other side of it."
For Ashby, his long-term future remains unclear. His four-year deal with Newcastle will expire at the end of the 2027/28 campaign, which will leave him once again looking for a new club with the Mgs unlikely to extend his stay.
Ironically, had he remained at West Ham the full-back may well be in contention for a first team spot at West Ham right now following the club's relegation to the Championship.
But like one or two others who were led to believe the grass was greener elsewhere - see Sonny Perkins (at Wigan via Orient) and Divin Mubama (five goals in 28 for Stoke before breaking his leg) - time has proven that is not necessarily the case.
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