- Newcastle United loanee Harrison Ashby involved in Bradford’s 2-1 win
- Defender named Man of the Match as promotion dreams kept alive
- His three years at St James’ Park come to an end in July
Newcastle United have been keen to use the loan market in recent years, and loanee Harrison Ashby was involved in Bradford City’s 2-1 victory over Wycombe Wanderers, which keeps their promotion dreams alive.
The 24-year-old made his second start for the League One side after joining in the January transfer window. He featured as a wing-back in their win and was named Man of the Match by the club.
In the win, the former West Ham man played a key role in his side’s leveller, playing what has been described as a ‘defence-splitting’ pass shortly after the break. The defender was rated 8/10 for his efforts in the clash by The Telegraph and Argus.
The outlet wrote: “Harrison Ashby had only started once before for City and that was over two months earlier. But he grabbed the chance on the right, growing into the game and providing an absolute peach of a pass for Stephen Humphrys in the lead-up to the equaliser.”
Captain sings Ashby’s praises
The Bantams are sat in third, seven points behind Cardiff City. Ashby will be hopeful of his chances in the playoffs before his inevitable departure from St James’ Park this summer.
When he originally moved to Bradford, Ashby struggled for game time, and in some cases has been left on the bench. After being out of the side for the previous three games, Graham Alexander put his faith in him to start.
The manager’s trust was rewarded as Ashby enjoyed an impressive afternoon down the right flank, as they came from behind to beat The Chairboys.
Reported by the Newcastle Chronicle, Bradford’s captain, Max Power, was quick to praise the full-back for showing dedication despite the manager’s selection choices.
He said, “That was a squad win, and the lads that have come into the team have done really well. Harrison’s a prime example for me.
“I know it’s difficult when you’re not playing, but he’s trained properly every day, and he’s got his just rewards.”
Power had a spell at Danish club AGF, where he had a period out of the team. He’s looking to use his experience to help players like the defender.
“I had to learn how to deal with that and become an all-round better squad person. I found it really difficult because I want to play.
“I’ve spoken with a lot of the lads outside of the team, and I know how hard it is when you’re not playing. I think that’s where you look at Harrison, and I hope that gives everyone a lift.”
Time at Newcastle comes to an end
Unfortunately for the Scottish youth international, these will likely be his final weeks representing the Tyneside outfit, as his contract is set to expire.
He moved to the North East from West Ham in 2023 but has failed to play a single minute for the first team.
Eddie Howe’s squad has plenty of quality at right back, with Tino Livramento and Kieran Trippier being some of the strongest players in the side.
It’s not turned out how he would have wanted since moving to play in Black and White, but there have been valuable lessons to learn
Training with the two England international full-backs and displaying performances like he did against Wycombe stand him in good stead to find a team that will allow him to thrive once the summer arrives.
In other news, ‘Potential Option’: Newcastle United star targeted by Bundesliga giants.
