By Paul Robinson

8th Feb, 2022 | 4:00pm

Dan Ashworth: This is how ex-Brighton director could take Newcastle to 'next level' - Robinson

Dan Ashworth could take Newcastle to the “next level” following his appointment as director of football, according to Paul Robinson.

The former England goalkeeper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 50-year-old has built a “brilliant reputation” after his time with Brighton and the Football Association.

According to the Telegraph (7 January), Ashworth has been tasked with making Newcastle the “club of the north” after he was selected to become the club’s new director of football.

The Magpies began speaking to Ashworth in December after he was identified as an executive target by the newly-rich club.

Brighton confirmed the former defender’s resignation yesterday (7 January), ending a three-year spell with the Seagulls.

Robinson suggested Newcastle’s ambitions will be realised “a lot quicker and more efficiently” with Ashworth in charge of recruitment.

“He’s built a brilliant reputation in the game,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.

“If Newcastle are going to get to that next level that they want, they’re going to have to get the best people from the top down.

“Recruitment-wise, they’ve got to get it right. There’s no point having billions of pounds if you’ve got the wrong people to spend the money.

“They’re going to get to where they want to be a lot quicker and more efficiently with someone like him in charge.”

While working with the FA, Ashworth was behind the ‘England DNA’ program which has garnered results over several age groups.

Newcastle made five January signings, including Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood, and Kieran Trippier.

The Magpies sit 19th in the Premier League, just one point away from safety.

In other news, we have a major update on Newcastle bid to sign Championship defender.