Eddie Howe and Dan Ashworth’s time together at Newcastle United has ended much earlier than anticipated.
When Dan Ashworth arrived at St James’ Park, the belief was that they would create a dynamic duo that would take Newcastle United to new heights.
Eddie Howe was already doing an incredible job, and suddenly he was given a top level sporting director to work with. Dan Ashworth came in, and was seen as the man to steer the Toon ship straight to the top.
But now their relationship is over after less than two years. If you were told that was how long it would be when Ashworth joined the club, you would assume that Howe had been sacked.
Dan Ashworth leaving Newcastle United
Of course, that is not what has happened. Instead, Ashworth has been poached by Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants Ashworth to lead the football operations at Old Trafford, and is going to get his wish.
However, when that happens remains to be seen. Ashworth is on gardening leave at the moment, with Newcastle and Man United needing to agree compensation. That is yet to happen, with the Red Devils unwilling to meet the Magpies’ £20million demands.
In the meantime, Newcastle are narrowing down their search for a replacement, with Dougie Freedman in the running to take over.
Eddie Howe shares what has changed since Ashworth left St James’ Park
That will mean a new dynamic for Howe, who has been speaking to Gary Neville on The Overlap podcast about how things have changed at Newcastle United since Ashworth left. He was asked by Neville if he would report to Ashworth in the past, or would he go to the chairman – PIF chief Yasir Al-Rumayyan.
“When Dan was here, it was very much Dan,” he said.
“Dan would be my reference point on anything. Now Dan has left, it is Darren Eales, the CEO. In terms of my working week and day to day, nothing has changed.”
Another new dynamic brewing for Eddie Howe
With Ashworth out the door, Howe’s point of contact at the club is Darren Eales. He was another major hire by the new owners, with the 51-year-old becoming Newcastle’s chief executive officer in July 2022.
It appears that Eales has taken over Ashworth’s responsibilities when it comes to Howe, and it is positive to hear the manager say that nothing has changed. That is a credit to Eales, who appears to have made this layover period as seamless as possible.
But it could be coming to an end soon, with Newcastle wanting to appoint a new sporting director this month. That will mean another new dynamic for Howe, and it will be interesting to see if things change for the manager – and whether or not it will be for the better.
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