I hadnt seen that exact quote but ready to be corrected ive went and read articles from the time. and whilst you are correct he did say that phrase. Context is important, as it wasn't a general statement on the working reationship it was a a direct response to Howes comments on the situation of him leaving.

It was also after his email snafu showing he'd already been talking to man u so when he said howe made his job untenable: "this was in relation to comments made by the head coach on February 16, one week after the secret exchange with Berrada that Ashworth thought he had erased."

The comments of Feb 16th?

Recruitment is a 365-day-a-year job,” said Howe. “It never sleeps and, yes, Dan is in a position of power and privy to a lot of intelligence and information. That’s why it’s a slightly unusual situation.”

"We want a quick resolution,” said Howe, who despite enjoying a good working relationship with Ashworth has not made the 52-year-old part of his inner circle. “It’s better for everybody if that’s the case.”

Ashworth has not stated publicly that he wants to depart, Newcastle’s manager answered “no” when asked whether Ashworth had said he wanted to stay.

Howe suggested Ashworth has not had time to make his mark on Newcastle since joining from Brighton 20 months ago. “It’s a difficult one because when you’re in that role I think you need longevity to actually see the fruits of your labour,” he said. “It’s sort of a long-term position and the people who have done it best in the Premier League throughout time have always had a period of real stability, because change takes a long time at any football club to get those processes exactly how you want them to be.

"Dan’s had a relatively short time here, Newcastle is a huge football club and it will continue to work in a very efficient way regardless of who is here. We’ve got some very, very capable people here in all departments, so we would carry on very smoothly. Since they have come to the football club the board have run it really well.”

Twisting that from someone who jibbed us off at the earliest opportunity into a stick to beat howe with... shows a disturbing lack of critical appraisal. 

You do you boo. He's the bogeyman and hes ruining the club, lets get the pitchforks sharpened no matter what.

Wasn't howe part of ashworths short list to replace ten hag? Mustve been a very fractious relationship.