Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth says vision to become a ‘Top-six Club’

Newcastle’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has outlined the club’s blueprint to establish itself as part of English premier league football’s “top six” while, ideally, finishing in the Premier League’s top four as frequently as possible.

As Eddie Howe’s squad prepared to travel to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Monday, Ashworth confirmed Newcastle’s ambition to make such trips a regular occurrence. “The vision is to get into the top six on a regular basis and compete for trophies,” he said. “We’re on the right pathway, but success has never been a straight line, especially in the Premier League. Of course, we want to be in the Champions League as much as we can over the coming years but.

Despite Newcastle’s majority Saudi Arabian owners’ vast wealth, their still comparatively modest commercial revenue streams dictate Howe’s transfer market maneuvering is limited by financial fair play regulations.

“We’re on an upward trajectory but there are definitely some bumps in the road,” Ashworth said. “The real challenge is being able to compete commercially as well.” One of our biggest challenges is that some of those (current top six) clubs have been global brands for decades.

“We need to get to the point where we are not only a top-six club on the field, but also a top-six club off the field.” We must work hard to increase revenue and interest in the club, which will provide us with more ammunition to compete on the field.”

So far, Howe’s coaching has enabled Newcastle to outperform, but the nagging fear at St James’ Park is that, despite noises to the contrary, their manager may be tempted by an offer from England if Gareth Southgate steps down after the European Championship next summer.

“I’m sure if Gareth wins the Euros, the job won’t be available,” said former FA technical director Ashworth. “All I can say is that Eddie has a fantastic relationship with the club’s staff, board, and supporters – he’s doing a fantastic job in a fantastic place.” “May it last forever.”

Ashworth, who left his position as technical director at Brighton to join Newcastle in February 2022, has been the subject of speculation that he could be poached by Manchester United, but he has been dismissive of the idea. “I’m really happy here,” he explained. “Newcastle is a fantastic city, club, and project.” I believe I am the same as Eddie. I’m completely immersed in all three of those activities and thoroughly enjoying the challenge.”