Newcastle United's new sporting director Dan Ashworth admits speaking to Eddie Howe but has joked he doesn't want to bother the Toon boss too much while he's on holiday!
Howe is enjoying a summer break with his family before his players return for a busy pre-season in the coming weeks. Ashworth is hard at work just days after his move to Tyneside was approved by the Premier League.
The new sporting director is already having a hand in deals, helping talks for Matt Targett and reportedly ending the chase for Dean Henderson. However, he is still in contact with Howe to discuss club business.
TAKE PART IN OUR BIG TOON SURVEY: We want your verdict on all the major topics on and off the pitch
"I've spoken to Eddie. He's away but I have spoken to him. It's been difficult for me leading up to this as I wasn't allowed to have any conversations until I was given the go ahead by the two clubs," he told NUFC TV. "But I've spoken to him several times, he's probably sick of me already!
"I've tried to leave him alone as he's away with his family. I've know Eddie previously, not really well as we've not worked together but we've come across each other on a number of occasions.
"He's a man I admire a lot and I've got a great amount of respect for. He did a wonderful job at Bournemouth and he's done a wonderful job here at Newcastle so far as well."
Newcastle fans were left impressed by Ashworth's first interview with the club, as he outlined his vision for the future. The 51-year-old also explained his decision to join Newcastle, labelling the club a 'monster'.
"I've been in football a long time and came here with my opposition hat on with West Bromwich Albion and Brighton," he told NUFC TV. "Every time you come here you can't help but notice the passion and enthusiasm of the supporters, the atmosphere within the ground.
"It's just an absolute monster of a football club. A fantastic place to come and work. It was the atmosphere and the passion, from the away supporters too when they came to West Brom and Brighton. The noise and the enthusiasm for the game is just incredible."
