Quick Fire Questions with Dan Ashworth - Newcastle United Sporting Director

Summary

In this insightful interview, a Sporting Director at Newcastle United shares his journey and role within the club, offering a deep dive into the complexities of managing a football club. He emphasizes the importance of aligning vision with strategic planning, highlighting the impact of first-team results on the club's success. The director discusses the evolution of women's football, the growth of Newcastle United Women, and the role of education and continuous learning in sports careers. With advice on persistence and hard work, this conversation provides valuable insights for anyone aspiring to work in football or sports management.

Takeaways

• 😀 A vision without a plan is just a dream, while a plan without a vision is boring. Both must align to achieve success in football clubs.
• 😀 The role of a sporting director varies from club to club, often sitting at the center of various departments to ensure alignment with the club's philosophy and values.
• 😀 Success in a football club is driven primarily by the first team results, which impact revenues and resources for sustainable growth.
• 😀 It's crucial to balance long-term goals with short-term results to avoid reactive decision-making based on short-term performance.
• 😀 Education is vital in football, providing credibility, enhancing career development, and showing commitment to continuous improvement, whether through formal or informal qualifications.
• 😀 The best advice given to many professionals is to focus on 'controlling the controllables,' which includes managing your emotions, work ethic, and approach to challenges.
• 😀 Women's football has seen tremendous progress in the past decade, with improved participation, standards, and resources, particularly following investments in coaching, recruitment, and sports science.
• 😀 National successes, such as the Lionesses reaching World Cup finals, inspire future generations and elevate the profile of women's football globally.
• 😀 Newcastle United's women's team achieved a milestone by becoming the first professional women's team in the National League North, following a shift towards greater investment and professionalism.
• 😀 Even for those not making it as professional athletes, working in sports behind the scenes, such as in coaching, media, or management, offers fulfilling career opportunities.
• 😀 The key advice for anyone wanting to work in football is to never give up, work harder than anyone else, and take advantage of the increasing number of roles in football outside of playing.

Q & A

What is the role of a sporting director, and how does it vary across different clubs?

The role of a sporting director varies from club to club, but generally, they are responsible for connecting and aligning different departments within a football club. This includes managing areas like recruitment, first-team operations, the academy, psychology, data and analytics, and more. The sporting director ensures that the club's operations align with its culture, values, DNA, and philosophy.

How important is having a vision and a plan for a football club's success?

Having a vision and a plan is crucial for a football club’s success. The vision, typically set by the board, gives the club a clear direction and target to aspire to. The plan then aligns all departments, ensuring that every individual, including coaches and staff, understands their role in achieving the club’s goals. Without a plan, the vision is just a dream, and without a vision, the plan is meaningless.

What is the importance of first-team results in the overall success of a football club?

First-team results are paramount to the success of a football club because they directly influence revenue, primarily through TV and commercial rights. Staying in the Premier League or qualifying for competitions like the Champions League can bring substantial financial benefits. However, clubs must avoid reacting too strongly to short-term form and instead focus on a medium-to-long-term view.

How essential is education and continuous learning for people working behind the scenes in football?

Education and continuous learning are vital for anyone working in football. Formal qualifications provide credibility, while informal learning, such as CPD, attending workshops, and seeking inspiration from other organizations, helps individuals stay adaptable and improve. A mindset focused on constant learning is crucial for career development in football.

What is the best advice the speaker has ever received regarding work or career?

The best advice the speaker has received is 'control the controllables,' particularly focusing on managing oneself. It's about controlling your emotions, values, work ethic, and how you show up each day. While you can't control external factors like other teams' performances, focusing on what you can control will help you stay grounded and effective.

What are the speaker's thoughts on the Lionesses' performance in recent international tournaments?

The speaker is very proud of the Lionesses, describing their journey to the final of the World Cup as inspirational. Their performance has not only captured the imagination of the nation but also encouraged young girls to participate in football. Despite not winning, reaching the World Cup final was a significant achievement and a testament to their growth and impact on women’s football.

What changes have occurred in women's football over the past five years?

Over the past five years, women's football has seen significant improvements in participation, standards, and resources. Investments have been made at every level, from youth academies to full-time coaching and support services. The Women's Super League (WSL) has seen clubs invest more in resources, and major international tournaments like the World Cup and Euros have further elevated the profile of women's football.

How did Newcastle United's women’s team evolve into a professional squad?

Newcastle United's women’s team transitioned into a professional setup due to significant investment by the club's owners. Previously, the team was under-resourced, but in August 2023, they became the first professional women’s team in the National League North. The team now has better training facilities, improved financial support, and players can focus on football full-time.

What role did the speaker play in the transition of Newcastle United's women’s team to professionalism?

The speaker played a crucial role in integrating the women’s team into the club’s structure. They helped move the team from being part of the foundation to being fully under the club's management, which included improving facilities, providing better resources, and transitioning the team to a professional model, allowing the players to train full-time.

If the speaker wasn’t working in football, what career would they have chosen?

The speaker would have likely continued in a career as a PE teacher. They had a passion for sport from a young age, and after earning a degree in PE and working as a teacher, they enjoyed engaging with students in sports activities. They would have continued in coaching or education within the sporting sector.