Dan Ashworth's Newcastle United appointment is a 'game-changer' says Shola Ameobi

Shola Ameobi has labelled Dan Ashworth’s appointment at Newcastle United as a ‘game-changer’ when it comes to bringing through the club’s next generation of local heroes. Ameobi spoke exclusively to Chronicle Live and was visibly excited about working with the former Brighton man.

The former Toon striker is in place as the club’s loan manager overseeing the temporary exits of players in the youth set-up. Ashworth arrives at Newcastle with a track record of setting up loans for youngsters which have paved the way for many to become established top-flight footballers.

Ashworth’s appointment as Sporting Director was approved on Monday and he met Ameobi earlier this week, with the club legend looking forward to working closely with him. Speaking at the club’s Foundation HQ, Ameobi said: “It's going to be a game-changer for us - from a football operations point of view. Dan is someone who has got extensive experience working with the FA and the other roles he's had too - he's had some successes as well, and I am personally excited to be able to work alongside Dan and to learn.

“The experience he has, and the vision too he has for the club, it will be very exciting to hopefully see that come to life. He has extensive experience in how to do this and how to do it well.

“That sense of leadership and guidance that he will bring from a football operations point of view is going to be key to the success we have as a club moving forward. He is a huge part of that, I am personally excited to be able to learn and see what we can do together."

Ashworth in his first interview since joining the club made it clear that he wants to create a pathway for Newcastle's youngsters in the youth ranks that can see them move up to the first