Dan Ashworth's ex-colleagues' glowing references for prospective Newcastle United hire

While Newcastle United have been linked with a host of transfer window targets already, the best business they might do all summer could be bringing in Dan Ashworth as a sporting director. Ashworth resigned from his role as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion way back in February in order to join Newcastle.

However, he was placed on gardening leave following his departure from the AMEX with his notice period set to end in November later this year. Talks have taken place between the two clubs to release Ashworth from his leave period but Newcastle have yet to make a breakthrough on that front.

While they could just wait till November to bring in the former FA director of elite development, Newcastle will be keen to ensure they keep the momentum on Tyneside going. A strong end to the season means the club has the chance to continue it's growth both on and off the pitch, with Ashworth set to play a key role behind the scenes.

ChronicleLive takes a look at what his former colleagues have had to say about the prospective Newcastle technical director.

Ashworth played a key role in helping shape English football for the better in recent years. When he joined the FA as director of elite development, he was pivotal in creating and implementing 'England DNA' - a plan that would help see England's men and women's teams reach the very top of the sport.

One man who worked closely with Ashworth during his time with the FA was now England manager Gareth Southgate, who was effuse in his praise of the 51-year-old.

"I told Dan [Ashworth] as we walked in that he should feel really proud," Southgate said back in September 2018.

"The last time we came to one of these it was in St Petersburg three years ago but this time we walked