Newcastle United fans were recently taken aback when Harrison Ashby appeared in a graphic featured on the BBC’s Match of the Day. Ashby, a defender, joined the club from West Ham in January 2023. Despite this transfer, he has yet to make his competitive debut for Newcastle.
Harrison Ashby’s Background and Current Status
Following his transfer, Ashby was loaned to Swansea and QPR in the Championship. He did remain at Newcastle during the summer transfer window but faced challenges that limited his playtime. This 24-year-old has been included in Newcastle United’s 25-man Premier League squad for the 2025/26 season.
However, a thigh injury restricted him to just six appearances for the U21 side. Surprisingly, the BBC showcased him in a graphic alongside notable players like Freddie Potts from West Ham and Diogo Dalot of Manchester United on their December 30th show.
Match of the Day’s Notable Errors
Match of the Day, an iconic football highlights show since 1964, certainly keeps its graphics team busy, especially during the festive fixtures. The tagline of the segment highlighted ongoing Premier League matches, including Arsenal versus Aston Villa and Wolves facing Manchester United.
- Newcastle vs Burnley at Turf Moor
- Bournemouth traveling to Chelsea
- West Ham hosting Brighton
Despite Ashby’s inclusion, it’s puzzling given his limited impact on the pitch thus far. Fans have been left questioning how the BBC made this selection.
Future Prospects for Ashby
Last month, reports from The Athletic indicated that Newcastle United may be willing to sell Ashby in a permanent deal. Newcastle acquired Ashby for approximately £3 million. However, his underwhelming performance might make it difficult for the club to recoup their investment.
The upcoming transfer window will be crucial for the right-back as clubs assess their needs and consider potential moves. Fans are eagerly awaiting developments regarding Ashby’s future with Newcastle United.
