The Grass Is Not Always Greener

There are pivotal moments in every footballer’s career, and for one player, choosing Newcastle over West Ham now appears to have been the wrong move.

Both West Ham and Newcastle are significant clubs in the Premier League, each with their own strengths. Whether it’s West Ham’s  stadium  global fanbase or Newcastle’s immense financial backing, comparing them is largely pointless. Both clubs have been chasing European spots recently, with the Irons even securing a major trophy in the Europa Conference League.

But one player who opted for Newcastle over West Ham might now be questioning his decision: Harrison Ashby.

Ashby was once a highly regarded young right-back at West Ham, known for his pace and crossing ability. However, frustrated by a lack of game time under David Moyes, Ashby forced a move to Newcastle in January last year. The decision sparked debate among West Ham fans. Some believed Moyes should have given him more opportunities, especially as right-back was a problem area for the club at the time. Others doubted Ashby would succeed at Premier League level.

In hindsight, Ashby’s decision to leave West Ham now looks like a mistake. Since joining Newcastle, he hasn’t made a single appearance for the Magpies and has been sent out on loan twice, first to Swansea and now to QPR. It’s a far cry from the Premier League regularity Ashby likely envisioned for himself.

At West Ham, Ashby could now be competing with Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who was recently signed from Manchester United. Instead, he’s navigating loan spells in the Championship, a situation that underscores how the grass isn’t always greener away from West Ham.

For Ashby, the move to Newcastle, once seen as a step up, now feels like a missed opportunity to establish himself in the Premier League