Phillips exicted by update on Newcastle hiring Ashworth after ‘knowing him at West Brom’
Newcastle United would be making a “great” choice if they appointed Dan Ashworth as their new director of football.
That is the view of ex-West Brom striker Kevin Phillips, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about his former colleague, Ashworth, and his suitability for the role.
According to The Athletic‘s David Ornstein (20 December), Brighton have granted their technical director, Ashworth, permission to hold talks with Newcastle.
The Magpies are on the hunt for a director of football and Ashworth is said to rank highly among the candidates being considered.
The 50-year-old joined Brighton in 2019 following a six-year spell as the FA’s director of elite development.
Phillips, who knows Ashworth from his time at West Brom, gave an insight on the Englishman’s character.
“I know Dan,” he told Football Insider‘s Dylan Childs.
“He is top-quality at his job so I am not surprised to see him linked with Newcastle. He is one of the best at his job.
“I was at West Brom with him and he has just gone from strength to strength since then. He has such a great reputation in the game.
“He is a great guy as well. An honest, genuine guy.
“If Newcastle could secure his service would be a great start to the rebuild for them. He is one of the best in the business.”
Newcastle United are currently 19th in the Premier League.
They face Manchester United on Monday.
In other news, a pundit has claimed Newcastle could sign 28-year-old who ‘Wilson would love’ after talks update.