I can’t remember where I read it(or watched it) but I remember Henry Winter saying that if Ashworth left Newcastle would go for Brentford sporting director Phil Giles. Henry Winter spoke very highly of him. I don’t know anything about him but he said that Phil Giles is a geordie and an avid Newcastle Fan.
my choice of replacement would be Michael Edwards, but i trust in the ownership & whoever they pick will be right person for the job.