'Ideal person' - What Dan Ashworth can bring to Newcastle as Magpies make statement signing

Newcastle United have landed their 'most important signing of the summer' as many supporters like to put it. Dan Ashworth's arrival is a statement of intent for a club heading in the right direction for once.

Ashworth is admittedly unlikely to impact the players Newcastle bring in this summer, with many targets locked in by Eddie Howe and Steve Nickson after the January window. However, his appointment is a crucial and much-needed long-term appointment - and as the club's official statement put it today, he is the 'ideal man' for a job of this nature.

Newcastle have lacked experienced, knowledgable figures in key positions in recent years. Lee Charnley had numerous, unofficial roles as he kept the plates spinning while Mike Ashley scrimped on boardroom staff during his 14-year tenure.

But with the new ownership keen to uphold the highest of standards in their pursuit of glory on the pitch, they have sought out for the best and brightest off it. There is no doubt Ashworth falls into that category.

Every person who has worked closely with the 51-year-old, whether it be at the FA, West Brom or Brighton, has had nothing but praise for the Magpies' new sporting director.

His time with the FA saw England win the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cup. Mike Rigg, the former head of player acquisitions at Manchester City, heaped praise on his colleague and the way he helped change the culture of the national side.

"When Dan went in, it would not be unfair to say that the FA were not fulfilling their potential," Rigg told Sky Sports. "What has happened since has absolutely been down to the vision and strategic intelligence of what Dan Ashworth has brought to the organisation.

"Not only has he fundamentally changed the direction of