Expert makes ‘massive’ Newcastle United transfer claim after Dan Ashworth reveal – ‘I know him well’
Alex McLeish has insisted appointed Dan Ashworth as sporting director is a “great signing” for Newcastle United.
However, the former Scotland manager, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 51-year-old will be judged on his record in the transfer window.
Newcastle confirmed on Monday (30 May) that they have agreed terms with Brighton for Ashworth to take charge following Premier League approval.
McLeish hailed Newcastle’s January recruitment and insisted the club have “momentum” heading into the summer.
He suggested the Magpies’ summer signings will be “massive” in terms of being competitive next season.
McLeish told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “They’ll have done their homework extremely well. They have done their job, staying in the Premier League, with a couple of shrewd signings. There has been decent work done there.
“They’ve got a bit of momentum again. Dan Ashworth has been in the game at that level for a long time. It seems like a good acquisition. Like everybody else, he’ll be judged on the acquisitions and the recruitment.
“That is the massive part of football these days, to keep yourself as a Premier League team and to compete with the top teams.
“He’s got a good CV, Dan. I know him well, a good lad, and for me it’s a great signing for Newcastle.”
Ashworth stepped down from his post at Brighton back in February but was put on gardening leave.
Newcastle finished 11th in the Premier League table despite failing to win in any of their opening 14 games.
They signed Bruno Guimaraes, Chris Wood, Kieran Trippier, Dan Burn permanently in January, while Matt Targett arrived on loan.
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