Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth explains why he chose to join 'monster' club in first interview

Newcastle United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth has given fans an insight as to why he chose to join the Magpies, labelling the north east outfit a 'monster' of a football club.

The 51-year-old left his role at Brighton and Hove Albion earlier this year and went on gardening leave before the two clubs agreed a deal for his release. The Premier League approved the move earlier this week.

Giving his first interview since starting his new role, Ashworth admitted he has admired the club from afar in his previous roles and can't wait to get started with the new ownership.

"I've been in football a long time and came here with my opposition hat on with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton," he told NUFC TV. "Every time you come here you can't help but notice the passion and enthusiasm of the supporters, the atmosphere within the ground.

"It's just an absolute monster of a football club. A fantastic place to come and work. It was the atmosphere and the passion, from the away supporters too when they came to West Brom and Brighton. The noise and the enthusiasm for the game is just incredible."

Newcastle fans are rightly praised across the footballing world for their incredible support. Ashworth admits he felt their passion when visiting St. James' Park as an opponent.

"It [St. James' Park] was one of my favourite places to come," he continued. "You knew you were always in for a tough game but the crowd made that.

"Very few places that get the intensity. Coming from an opponent, it's a special place to come. That was a really attractive thing for me."