Pundit shares ‘big’ claim after confirmed Newcastle United news – ‘oh my god’
Newcastle United will be looking to qualify for the Europa Conference League during the 2022-23 season after hiring Dan Ashworth.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ latest appointment.
Newcastle confirmed on Monday (30 May) that Ashworth will join the club after agreeing a compensation fee with former employers Brighton.
He will start work at St James’ Park immediately as the club gear up for a first summer transfer window under their new Saudi ownership.
McAvennie insists Ashworth is facing a “big” job and it will take up to four years to turn Newcastle into title contenders.
“It’s a big position but he’s obviously up for the job,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“It is going to be a three or four-year job to get them where they want to be.
“There was someone talking on the radio saying the plan will be to go for the Conference League, then Europa League, then Champions League.
“Then the league after that. That is what I have been saying more or less. It is going to take four years, you look who is in front of you.
“Oh my god, you need some talent to beat Haaland and Man City. It is going to take a while.
“I think they will be fighting for a Conference League place this season and then they will take it from there.”
Ashworth took up the post of Technical Director at Brighton in 2019.
He was previously the FA’s director of elite development from September 2012.
In other news, Man United and Newcastle United race to sign Leicester sensation.