Newcastle United are looking for a new sporting director after Manchester United approached Dan Ashworth.
Richard Hughes, who has been linked with Newcastle United, will leave his post as technical director at AFC Bournemouth this summer.
Hughes has been in the position since 2016, having previously worked with Magpies head coach Eddie Howe and assistant Jason Tindall. His departure comes as Newcastle searches for a new sporting director after Dan Ashworth was placed on gardening leave.
Hughes said in a statement posted by the Cherries: “Working for AFC Bournemouth has always given me great delight and pride. Initially representing the club as a player and then subsequently in a football leadership post, I consider every time I’ve spent here as a blessing.
“As technical director, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented and devoted folks the game has to offer. This role has been hard, enjoyable, and fulfilling for the past ten years.
“The journey we’ve gone on as a club is nothing short of amazing. Our current situation, both on and off the pitch, gives me hope for the future.
“AFCB’s owner, Bill Foley, is as ambitious as he is clever and determined. Neill Blake is the club’s top-tier CEO, and he has always made decisions that put the club and its supporters first.
“On the technical side, we have a team of players and a coaching staff that complement each other wonderfully. Andoni is one of Europe’s most promising managerial prospects, and our current squad is possibly the greatest we’ve ever had. I have no doubt that match days will remain thrilling and engaging for our fans.
“The club requires a healthy lead up time to plan for the summer and beyond so this is the right time to announce that I will be leaving at the end of the season.”
Meanwhile, Bournemouth owner Bill Foley said, “I’m grateful for Richard’s outstanding service to this football club.” His dedication to delivering competitive sides for us throughout the years is exemplified by our status as a Premier League club for seven of the previous nine seasons. I wish him the best in the future.”
Given Hughes’ prior relationship with Howe, the links to Newcastle should come as no surprise. However, it will not be the United manager who selects the next sporting director.
“It’ll be the club’s decision and rightly so,” Howe stated. “They will not only listen to my perspective, but also to many other people’s opinions.
“Hopefully, at the end, we just come to the right solution for the football club because hopefully the next person that comes in will be at the club for many years and will be able to take the club in the direction everyone wants it to.”
Meanwhile, Newcastle continue to work behind the scenes to finalize plans for the summer transfer window.
Newcastle are expecting a compensation package of almost £20 million from Manchester United for Ashworth, whose gardening leave time doesn’t expire until January 2026.
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