'Welcome aboard' - Newcastle United fans react as Dan Ashworth appointment announced

Newcastle United have today announced the appointment of the club's new sporting director Dan Ashworth. The 51-year-old left his previous role at Brighton and Hove Albion to take over and complete the move.

The former FA technical director is the Magpies first executive appointment since the club's takeover and the club has now confirmed his switch has ' cleared the relevant Premier League approval process '.

Enjoying success whilst with the Football Association, England's foundation were began to be built under the strict stewardship that Ashworth oversaw from the ground up.

A short statement from the club's website read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect."

Fans of United have since taken to social media following the news, with many excited as to what the future holds with Ashworth now safely overseeing all things football related.

wrote: "Bigger signing than Bruno this!"

posted: "The beginning of the new NUFC era! Only exciting times ahead and this is a huge first step of intent from NUFC!"

wrote: "Welcome to the greatest show on earth Dan mate. Happy to have you aboard."

positively tweeted: "Time to strap ourselves in."

added: "Most important signing of the summer."

And finally, said: "Exactly what we need. While the team on the pitch is important the infrastructure of the club has rotted away over the last 14 years and having someone with his vision is just what we need to rebuild top to bottom."