New report shines a light on Dan Ashworth's thinking after leaving Newcastle United to be burned by Jim Ratcliffe

The way Dan Ashworth engineered his exit from Newcastle United just 18 months into his long-term deal left a very bitter taste in the mouths of Newcastle's fanbase.

Ashworth was brought in from Brighton to spearhead the PIF revolution and install an entirely new way of operating at the club, but before he could even really get his feet under the table, rumours started to persist that when Sir Jim Ratcliffe's buy-in to Manchester United was green-lit, Ashworth would jump ship.

Indeed, that's what happened, and Ashworth was placed on gardening leave at the end of 2023, eventually leaving the club in July 2024 when compensation packages were worked out.

While on gardening leave, however, more information would come to light about how Ashworth had been speaking with Manchester United behind Newcastle's back, which just added to the ill-will towards him from the Toon Army.

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Dan Ashworth made a disastrous decision when opting to leave Newcastle United

Ashworth's reign at Manchester United ended up being shorter than the time he spent on gardening leave at Newcastle, which did give Newcastle fans a good chuckle.

The former Brighton man has landed on his feet, however, and is now expected to rejoin The FA, where he earned his stellar reputation in the sport.

While the FA are yet to confirm this, it's widely believed Ashworth is ready to take up his sporting director role 'imminently' according to The Telegraph.

We shouldn't indulge in schadenfreude but it's just so delicious

The Telegraph also mentions that Captain Hindsight has paid Dan Ashworth a visit.

"Ashworth has subsequently told people within the game he regrets leaving Newcastle, where he enjoyed an excellent relationship with Howe."

It seems like Mr Ashworth has learned the hard way that the grass isn't always greener.