The Chronicle (South Tyneside and Durham)
Heed boss hails impact of loan ace
AS THE SPORTING DIRECTOR GOES ON GARDENING LEAVE, THE CLUB ARE READY TO PLAY HARDBALL WITH MANCHESTER OVER MONEY
Manchester United first emerged. I’m thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge.”
Ashworth has only been in post at Newcastle since June 2022, when the north east outfit paid Brighton £5m for his services.
The recruitment guru has played a key role in just four transfer windows, with many feeling his premature exit has ruined his reputation in this part of the world.
The former FA chief was in attendance for the club’s draw with Bournemouth on Saturday but will now play no further part in Newcastle’s operation unless a U-turn is made further down the line.
Meanwhile, Newcastle United CEO Darren Eales has vowed that ‘our exciting journey doesn’t stop.’
Eales, who was previously ‘hopeful’ that Ashworth was ‘here for the longterm,’ has addressed the matter in a short statement issued by the club.
“We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave,” he said.
“However, our exciting journey doesn’t stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.
“We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future.”
ROB ELLIOT has hailed the impact of loan signing Mamadou Jobe after the Cambridge United defender extended his stay at Gateshead until the end of the season.
The 20-year-old centre-back initially joined the Heed on a short-term loan in November and made an impressive debut in a 2-0 win at fellow National League play-off contenders Barnet before shining once again in a 2-1 win at Solihull Moors days later.
After extending his stay for a further two months, Jobe has gone on to make 11 appearances for Elliot’s side as they continue to battle for a top seven place in non-league’s top tier.
Despite the positive nature of his off-field achievements, Jobe suffered heartache away from the pitch in recent weeks with the passing of his mother. After attending the funeral last Tuesday, the defender only returned to training 24 hours before Gateshead faced Wealdstone on Saturday afternoon.
Despite the difficult nature of his build-up to the game, Jobe was handed a start at Grosvenor Vale and rewarded Elliot for his faith by scoring the first goal of what would become a 4-2 win for his side.
There was also confirmation the young defender has now penned a further extension to his loan deal and he will now focus on helping Gateshead in their push for a play-off spot - starting with a win in Tuesday night’s visit to Kidderminster Harriers.
Speaking of Jobe, Elliot told the club website: “I think everyone understands Mamadou had his Mum’s funeral on Tuesday so he hadn’t trained with us until yesterday (Friday). So the mental strength to be able to come through and play like that, get the goal and do everything he has done is just incredible and it’s a testament to him as a lad.
“His performance overall was fantastic. As a centre-half on that pitch, for him, Louis (Storey) and Joe (Grayson), it’s really difficult because your footing was unsure and you’ve got to defend, but I thought they all did exceptionally well. It’s brilliant to have him (Jobe) for the rest of the season because since he’s come in he’s been an absolute rock for us.
“He’s the best kid ever, we love him to pieces but we need to make sure we keep working with him,”