Newcastle new boy Harrison Ashby has posted an emotional farewell message to West Ham alongside a picture with Joe Cole.
West Ham fans were left reeling by the departure of another hugely promising young talent when Ashby joined Newcastle United on deadline day.
In truth it was a move that has been one of football’s worst kept secrets for some time.
Scotland youth international Ashby had been linked with a move to mega-rich Newcastle since the summer.
The swashbuckling right-back impressed with his pace and crossing ability when given chances in the West Ham first team by David Moyes.
Those chances were too few and far between for the 21-year-old’s liking, though, and he made it clear he would not be signing a new deal with West Ham in the summer.
With the defender’s deal up in the summer the Hammers looked to salvage something from the time and effort the club put into Ashby’s development by getting around £3m from Newcastle for the deal (BBC Sport).
The Ashby move to Newcastle has West Ham fans divided. Many blame Moyes for not giving him more game time in a bid to convince him to stay, particularly as right-back has been a real problem position for West Ham.
Some feel Ashby has turned his back on the club who helped develop him. Others believe he will not cut it at Premier League level like so many before him, despite West Ham’s clear desire to keep him at the club.
Many feel Newcastle have tapped up their player and suggest he has been lured to St James’ on the promise of big money. And some believe West Ham should have offered better terms if that was the case.
Moyes insisted West Ham wanted to keep Ashby and that he decided he wanted to leave for the Magpies.
Now Newcastle new boy Ashby has posted an emotional farewell message to West Ham alongside a picture with Cole.
“I would like to say a big thank you to all the staff, players and fans at West Ham United Football Club,” Ashby posted on social media alongside a heart emoji, a picture of the Hammers fans and an image of him as a youngster with then first team star Cole.
“Being at the club from the age of nine has been an incredible experience. I’ve made some lifelong friends and met some amazing people along the way.
“I wish the football club and all the fans the very best in the future.”
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