I love Howe: Newcastle boss Eddie Howe blast warning to Man Utd over Deal for Dan Ashwort
Newcastle have parted company with former sporting director Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave, but Manchester United will need to fork out a hefty sum in compensation for him Eddie Howe has warned Manchester United that Newcastle will strike a compensation deal that suits them before releasing Dan Ashworth. The Toon Sporting Director was put on gardening leave this week after the Old Trafford giants made an official move. Newcastle is demanding up to £20m in compensation for losing Ashworth just 20 months into his job on Tyneside or serving up to two years on gardening leave. New part-owner Jim Ratcliffe said it was “silly” and “absurd” that Ashworth could be in contractual limbo between jobs for so long. Howe has spoken to Ashworth this week and says they remain on good terms.
Asked about Ratcliffe’s comments and Newcastle’s battle for cash from Man United, Howe said: “In these situations, it’s about Newcastle from our perspective. Events this week have given us certainty, and we can look to the future. “We need to reflect and move forward stronger than before. That has to be our aim. I can’t respond to (Ratcliffe’s comments). I am not involved in discussions so I will stay away.
“It is for other people to make those decisions, I’m not involved in that in any way, shape, or form. I’m preparing the team to play Arsenal.” Howe will give his input into finding Ashworth’s successor, but Newcastle is not in a rush and could go into the summer with Howe and his scouting team, and Amanda Staveley, calling the shots. Howe says the departure has not been a disruption ahead of the Arsenal game adding: “The day-to-day running not at all. It has happened away from the players and training ground so it has been a normal week, business as usual. The club will sit down and analyze and find the right balance. I have my opinions and I will express those at the right time and we have to make good decisions and run effectively as a club.”