Newcastle fans stunned as Paul Mitchell-Dan Ashworth bust-up takes new twist

Newcastle United fans have been left stunned after sporting director Paul Mitchell claimed the previous transfer strategy was "not fit for purpose".

Reports have claimed Dan Ashworth, who left St James' Park to join Manchester United in controversial circumstances in the summer, has been "annoyed" by the comments.

Newcastle found themselves at serious risk of breaching the Premier League's profit and sustainability rules this summer - largely due to overspending under Ashworth.

This left many supporters, as well as the new sporting director, concerned about the strategy behind the scenes and calling for an overhaul.

However, after a disappointing first transfer window for Mitchell, the fanbase is split over his comments and whether he should be calling out his predecessors.

Many highlighted the good work done under Ashworth when the club brought in the likes of Lewis Hall, Tino Livramento and Sandro Tonali, compared to Mitchell's signings.

However, others remain frustrated by the way the former sporting director left, and the state he left the club in, insisting Mitchell was right to slam him.

Newcastle United fans split as Paul Mitchell sends new Dan Ashworth dig

It had been a slow summer for the Magpies under Mitchell, partly due to PSR and partly due to not wanting to overspend, but the situation remains a difficult one.

Since the window closed, the controversy behind the scenes has ramped up with tensions at the club continuing to rise and subtle digs emerging in the media.

After the latest report emerged surrounding Ashworth's anger at the situation, fans have taken to social media to express their own frustrations.

Others, meanwhile, turned their thoughts towards Mitchell, labelling him "clueless" and an "embarrassment".

In other news, Newcastle are already working on a cut-price deal for Marc Guehi.

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