Dan Ashworth: Newcastle told to copy Leicester after confirmed news – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed he “can’t help but be impressed” by the track record of incoming Newcastle director of football Dan Ashworth.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, said the 50-year-old has been “very shrewd and very clever” in the transfer market with former club Brighton.
The Seagulls confirmed the resignation of Ashworth on Monday (7 January), ending a three-year spell on the south coast.
Newcastle began speaking to the former defender in December 2021 after he was identified as an executive target by the newly-rich club.
According to the Telegraph (7 January), Ashworth has been tasked with making the Magpies the “club of the north” after he was selected to become the club’s new director of football.
Whelan suggested that Newcastle “should look no further” than the likes of Brighton and Leicester when looking to emulate the success of a Premier League club.
“When you look at the recruitment at Brighton, you can’t help but be impressed,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“They’ve built a very attractive and clear style of play down there and they’ve brought players in who have enhanced that identity.
“They’ve been very shrewd and very clever in the transfer window. There’s no doubt that their improvement has been rapid under Ashworth, and he’s built a very competitive side.
“When you’re looking to follow a blueprint in the Premier League, you can’t really look much further than your Leicester’s and your Brighton’s.”
Ashworth will begin his new role at the end of the season after a period of gardening leave at Brighton.
Newcastle emerged from the relegation zone yesterday (8 February) with an emphatic 3-1 win over Everton at St James’ Park.
In other news, pundit predicts ‘brilliant’ Newcastle new boy will lead the club to silverware.