DAN THE MAN TO BUILD TOON

DAN ASHWORTH vowed to bring “long-term success” to Newcastle United after taking the keys to the club’s rebuild.

The former Football Association chief started work at St James’ Park yesterday and was put in charge of a potentially vast transfer fund and told to revamp “the overarching sporting strategy” of the club.

Newcastle, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund and potentially the world’s richest club, announced Ashworth (right) was now in charge of “football development and recruitment at all age levels”.

He will be the figurehead for a major rebuild that will take several years as initial spending will not be as big as many rivals.

He said: “Newcastle United is an incredible football club and I’m delighted to be joining at this very exciting time.

“Each time I’ve been to St James’ Park in the past, I have been reminded of the club’s long history and the unrivalled passion of its fan base.

“It is a huge football club with great potential and I’m incredibly positive about what we can collectively achieve. I’m excited to start work immediately and look forward to being part of a team that is helping the club to grow and achieve long-term success.”

Toon (above Callum Wilson celebrates scoring against Burnley) now have experience in charge of their transfer dealings, with £25million Reims striker Hugo Ekitike on their radar and defender Sven Botman a possibility.

Bayer Leverkusen’s £55m-rated Moussa Diaby has also been targeted, along with Nathan Ake of Manchester City, but could be too expensive.

With Chelsea and Spurs having a budget of up to £200m and several clubs paying double and triple Newcastle’s top wage, competing will be tough.

Ashworth will work closely with Eddie Howe and head of recruitment Steve Nickson. There is a budget of about £60m plus player sales, with Howe playing down the prospect of matching January’s £94m spree. That may be a tactic to keep prices down and depends on the Saudi appetite for a fight with the top six so early in their ownership.