Dan Ashworth reveals vision for Newcastle recruits as Toon seek Premier League potential

Sporting director Dan Ashworth has revealed how 'passionate' he is about developing our academy, giving young players a platform to develop and recruiting top talent capable of shining in the Premier League.

As a former academy manager, Ashworth is determined to give young players a pathway through to first team football and ensuring that they are given the 'right people and the right coaching.'

In recent history, Newcastle have been notoriously poor when it comes to bringing young talent through, with many struggling out on loan or effectively being forgotten about under the Ashley reign.

However, with the change of ownership and a new set of staff working at the top, the aim is to create one of the best academies in the country and give the young players the support they need.

Having already signed the likes of Garang Kuol, a plan is clearly set in place to scout out and develop the best upcoming stars in the world and it could be the start of a whole new Newcastle United.

Speaking about his vision, Ashworth said: “It’s about getting the young players in the building that have the potential to play in the Premier League.

"Then, it’s about managing them and giving them the right coaching pathway and game stimulus, which could be with our Under-21s or could be on loan with Shola (Ameobi).

“It’s about giving them the pathway through. There are multiple examples of clubs across the country where the academy is full of talent, but there’s no way through.

"You get a change of owner, a change of manager or a club getting relegated or going into administration, and all of a sudden, these players come through and it’s, ‘Blimey, didn’t we have a load of good players in the Academy!’ They haven’t just suddenly landed there – it’s about joining up pathways.

“All I can say is that I’m a former academy manager and I’m really passionate about giving young players an opportunity. But they have to be good enough.

“Football will decide if they’re good enough or not, but what we have to do as a club is give them the right people, the right coaching and the right pathway. And give them the opportunity to play - if they are good enough - in the top half of the Premier League.”