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Dan Ashworth Shows Why He’s One Of The Very Best – In Getting Suitable Players To Newcastle



One interesting piece in the article where Dan Ashworth is interviewed in the Chronicle today is that he admitted the club uses a robot that draws the white lines on the training pitch in Benton.

We know Newcastle uses the latest technology for lots of things, but there’s only so far you can go without humans being involved.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the computer technology that’s now getting a lot of publicity but has been researched for years (decades) in computing science.

There’s a lot that AI can do to help sort through various things in a mundane way from a database and get the results quickly to the user.

But it still takes human beings to look at the results and decide what to do – based on those results – and that’s where the skill comes in.

People remember the sci-fi film of 1969 – “2001: A Space Odyssey” when HAL the computer (it’s IBM with the letter after each in H (I), A (B), and L (M) ) went out of control and almost took over the Spaceship near the end of the movie, until the computer was immobilized (phew – that was close).

AI is a concern today, but it’s been talked about for years in computing, and even decades, and like all technology you have to be careful how you use it – remember splitting the atom led unfortunately to the atomic bomb.

Now back to more civil and humane things in this article – here are some interesting comments from our Sporting Director Dan Ashworth as told to Chronicle Live today:

“I listened to Elon Musk’s conference the other day with interest – that none of us are going to have a job soon!”

“You’re right, we do have a robot painting the line out there. What we try and do on recruitment is marry up the objective – data – with the subjective – the opinion – to check and challenge what the answer may be.”

“So we aren’t just data-driven, although we are data-informed. “It is also having the industry knowledge and suitability.”

“A player suited for Newcastle United in the Premier League and for Eddie Howe might not be suited for Aston Villa and Unai Emery.”

” So that is where you bring the subjective part into it – is he or she a good player, which data can drive but not get away from the industry knowledge and scouting reports and experience.”

“So we use both – there are so many players out there and you can’t scout them all.”

“We bring them down to a manageable number and then check them with our eye, with our subject opinion, and then it will get challenged again as the player starts to come through the system.”

“I always think it is important that you have some industry knowledge assessing the data.”

“The example I use is I can go to the stock exchange and get the same data as an experienced trader, but that data could mean nothing to me and yet the experienced trader can make sense that data and make an educated decision on what stock to buy or sell.”

“We would be getting the same information but for me, it could mean absolutely nothing.”

“Certainly a large amount of reference checking from players they’ve played with or coaches, agencies, just try and get as much information as you can.”

“We do that for lots of different roles as well, not just players, you do your references in any field of work, whether it’s an academy coach or head of psychology.”

“You want to try and get as many reference points as you can about what sort of person you’re bringing into your organisation but you never truly know until that person starts working.”

Newcastle could put various characteristics (reference points) down for a man to replace Tonali in January for a topical example – if that’s the only thing the club wanted to do – bring him in on loan until the end of the season.

The various databases of (central midfield) players could then be searched to come up with say the top 5 players who play nearly exactly the same way as Tonali.

Note that the information has to be available in the databases, but at the end of the day, it’s experienced Sporting Directors like Dan Ashworth who will choose the best player suited to the club, from the players returned by the computer.

Ashworth shows a lot of common sense in those comments above, and what he has is experience in his field – that’s something you cannot beat.

So we seem to be in very good hands with Dan Ashworth leading the way on player recruitment, and we have already seen that over the last two years when we have made some stellar signings.

Certainly signing Dan Ashworth was one of those stellar signings.


252 comments so far

  • Raj of Hailsley

    Nov 18, 2023 at 10:45 AM

    Comment #201

    On top of all those Brewdogs and whisky last night 😀

    0
  • Not another deJong

    Nov 18, 2023 at 10:45 AM

    Comment #202

    Raj of Hailsley

    I am inclined to think it is an unforeseen consequence. The original intent was admirable, to a limit, but in practice has lead to a monopoly forming.

    0
  • Munster Mag

    Nov 18, 2023 at 10:45 AM

    Comment #203

    Mund we may have our fights but good on you for getting Milan tickets. Some occasion to be at.

    2
  • Munster Mag

    Nov 18, 2023 at 10:47 AM

    Comment #204

    Jeez I was up till 2am collecting the daughter. Now I gotta go coach the u14s :(. I think they are in for an easy session.

    0
  • Toonarmy of Frogs

    Nov 18, 2023 at 10:49 AM

    Comment #205

    Agree Carltoon. 10pts is hardly a hardship this season.

    Remember that game aswell. Bizarre, and contrary to sportsmanship and fair competition.

    If they went down I’d be pretty pleased. This year I don’t think they will as the promoted teams are very weak.

    Everton are very lucky the PL seem to like them, the delays in prosecution have helped them no end….

    6
  • Munster Mag

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:03 AM

    Comment #206

    The bigger question will be City. We have to be so careful. I’m not necessarily sure we will grow to be the top dogs in European football and that doesnt worry me particularly. We just have to build slowly and the right way so that we can stick up two fingers at the establishment.

    1
  • Davas

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:04 AM

    Comment #207

    Wasn’t FFP the brainchild of Platini (before PSG got rich owners). Say no more.

    4
  • Raj From Bangladesh

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:15 AM

    Comment #208

    Ffp will just slow us down but we will still reach the very top. Amanda said 5 – 10 years I believe in her 1st intervièw. So 3 years away from challenging for the league full on or atleast having players on paper to do so.

    0
  • Not another deJong

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:19 AM

    Comment #209

    Failed French Policy is an easier way to remember the acronym…..but which one!

    0
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:21 AM

    Comment #210

    clinath

    Just looked up that season’s positions.

    20th Norwich 22 points
    19th Watford 23 points
    18th Burnley 35 points
    16th Everton 39 points
    Everton took 4 points off Norwich and 1 point against Watford.

    So, only Burnley effected.

    2
  • clinath@ed

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:27 AM

    Comment #211

    Cheers Sir Pug. Good research

    0
  • Not another deJong

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:28 AM

    Comment #212

    The Everton points deduction is certainly an alternative to the ‘10 things to see this weekend’.

    0
  • The Mighty Quinn

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:36 AM

    Comment #213

    Is it just me or have the words gotten massive and the avatars really small on this site?

    1
  • The Mighty Quinn

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:40 AM

    Comment #214

    😆 it’s me. Somebody has been messing about with zoom on me phone.

    6
  • 9

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:43 AM

    Comment #215

    A certain poster, yesterday, after the Everton news, was strongly advocating a suicidal policy of deliberately breaking the rules. This is absolutely the stupidest thing we could do, and I sincerely hope a good night’s sleep has unscrambled his brain.

    5
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Nov 18, 2023 at 11:50 AM

    Comment #216

    TMQ it is you.

    1
  • Toon Brigade

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:06 PM

    Comment #217

    Is it matchday?

    1
  • carltoon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:14 PM

    Comment #218

    There’s new teams emerging though, playing exciting football, the ManU, Liverpool, Chelsea, era is coming to an end (I hope).
    Villa,(although I don’t like them either), West ham, Brighton, Wolves. All doing well, giving the slimy six a run for their money. We are nearly there, just need to keep running the club like it’s being run, properly. With the best of in the World, in the important jobs, surely we cannot fail now.d
    We’ll be under intense scrutiny, and we’ll need to be squeeky clean, in our running of the club.
    Don’t give them the chance to bring us down.

    10
  • Uncertain Toon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:15 PM

    Comment #219

    So Burnley for 2021/22 season and possibly Leicester from last season would also have a legitimate grievance legally, in retrospect?

    13
  • Davas

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:20 PM

    Comment #220

    It’s reported that it’s Burnley, Leicester and Leeds that are threatening to sue.

    3
  • cleveleysbob

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:29 PM

    Comment #221

    Uncertain, I’ve just hearted that avatar. 🙂

    3
  • Davas

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:40 PM

    Comment #222

    It seems like the first step for those clubs is to apply to the premier league and then a commission would decide if it’s valid and how much Everton should pay.

    0
  • JaveaToon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:47 PM

    Comment #223

    So if these 3 clubs are successful in sueing Everton (which I hope they are), then surely that would make it almost impossible for Everton to comply with ffp in the next 3yr period? Another points deduction incoming in the future? Here’s hoping but does anyone know enough about ffp to answer that one?

    5
  • Lord Scattercash

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:48 PM

    Comment #224

    9….nope…take calculated risks and push the envelope…they cant ban us from anywhere and cant take away any players we buy…and now the precedent has been set and now we know every 10 million of overspend = a 5 point deduction 3 years down the line…so lets start planning getting the players we want in…and in the meanwhile lets get the accountants working and incomes up!

    Time to get smart 😉

    3
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Nov 18, 2023 at 12:58 PM

    Comment #225

    Only Burnley effected

    0
  • lesh

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:02 PM

    Comment #226

    Lord Scattercash

    If you think PIF, an arm of the KSA, would countenance breach of FFP rules, maybe you need to reconsider that. They won’t do it!

    0
  • lesh

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:03 PM

    Comment #227

    Pug

    Only Burnley effected? Nope. What about the prize money the others lost out on?

    1
  • Not another deJong

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:03 PM

    Comment #228

    There was no glass bowl, Jenas was floundering after the change of coach.

    https://nufc.news/really-proud-jermaine-jenas-opens-up-about-confusing-time-at-newcastle-before-his-exit

    0
  • Sir Pugalot, the Dutch Bulldog

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:04 PM

    Comment #229

    Wet spam would have been on equal points with Leics, but would have still finished above them on GD

    0
  • Raj From Bangladesh

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:06 PM

    Comment #230

    5 clubs Leeds, Forest, Soton, Leicester and Burnley.

    Nick DeMarco is on it

    0
  • WLtoon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:07 PM

    Comment #231

    Hats off to the brave souls who watched the game last night, boy it must of been riveting stuff.
    After reading the comments from some of the reports i think i made the right decision to avoid it.
    Malta, ranked 171 by FIFA behind such giants as St Lucia, South Sudan and Barbados managed to keep the score down to just 2 goals, probably their best result of the current campaign saying as they already had a GD of -17 before the game.
    Do us all a favour Gareth, just go.

    3
  • WLtoon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:10 PM

    Comment #232

    Its a slow day for real footie action so have decided to watch the Magpies.
    Just notched their 2nd goal of the game and doing ok.
    Aye you can`t beat a bit of black n white.

    0
  • WLtoon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:16 PM

    Comment #233

    I hope every club wanting some sort of reprisal for Everton re the points deduction scenario are successful.
    It could get quite messy for the toffees if the PL take the matter as serious as some aggrieved club owners are, sounds like they are baying for blood.

    Oh and Langstaff has just notched a third for the Magpies. 3-0

    2
  • Lord Scattercash

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:18 PM

    Comment #234

    Lesh. You obviously havent dealt with an arab entity. ..the play as dirty as you can get and are about as honourable and honest as Trump…if it gets them to their end game quicker…they’ll do it …irrespective of what they spew out in the press…playing dirty is their middle ground

    1
  • WLtoon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:19 PM

    Comment #235

    Sounds like the black n whites are going for another 8-0, already 4-0 up at half time.

    1
  • Uncertain Toon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:20 PM

    Comment #236

    Sir Pug,

    Why just Burnley pal? If Everton were relegated at the end of 2021/22 season when, what about all the teams they’ve taken points from subsequently?
    League positions affected to a few clubs I’d imagine.

    3
  • lesh

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:49 PM

    Comment #237

    Lord Scattercash

    I’m well aware that the Arab isn’t above playing off the rules however, our owners are not Arabs but PFI, an arm of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – as you well know.

    Would KSA want PFI to be accused of breaking FFP rules, risk its reputation as a major financial institution, for the sake of the relative pennies invested in NUFC? Something tells me they wouldn’t.

    As we both know, it’s not what a person does it’s what it’s seen to do!

    1
  • The Mighty Quinn

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:52 PM

    Comment #238

    This all should have been decided before the season kicked off. Everton should have been demoted to the Championship. Leeds vs Leicester for that available PL place and compensation for Burnley for monies lost due to being in the Champo for 1 season.
    Job done.

    3
  • Pottsclock

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:55 PM

    Comment #239

    The performance payout based on league position should mean that every club who has finished below Everton in the period in which they overspent, which is much broader than just last season, should have the right to sue them for lost revenue. And the ones who were relegated either a) instead of Everton or b) because of losing points against Everton should be able to sue them for a lot more.
    That said, it’s all very complicated and very difficult to prove exactly what the financial impact is. Moreover it would set a massive precedent, especially if Man City and Chelsea are also going to to be punished.
    Which is why I think the punishment is wrong. They should have waited until the end of the season and relegated them and removed any trophies or qualifications from the period of offence. Better still to have done so at the end of last season. And then they should put a transfer embargo on them which matches the length ot period over which they offended. And they should do the same with Man City, Chelsea or whoever else is in breach. Even if that means relegating 4 teams and promoting 4 teams, so be it.
    For me, that’s the simplest approach. Financial impact will mean nothing to Man City or Chelsea. 10 points would mean little to Man City other than they won’t win the EPL, but they’d still qualify for CL and win several trophies.

    3
  • Uncertain Toon

    Nov 18, 2023 at 1:56 PM

    Comment #240

    I think if they had it in mind to kick the arse out of FFP they would have done it already.

    What seems unknown is whether there’s any money available for January reinforcements. Clubs no we’ll be after striker back up so how much will they add on to any fee for that publicly known fact.
    Could always get Chris Wood back for £5 million 😆

    1


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