Dan Ashworth leaves FA post after five years to become Brighton's first technical director

The former West Brom technical director returns to club football after five years in charge of the national game

Dan Ashworth has left his role as Football Association technical director in order to take up a similar post at Brighton, the Premier League club and governing body have announced.

The former West Brom sporting and technical director will join Brighton in the spring, bringing to a end his five-year spell at the head of the FA's football development structure.

In a statement issued on Brighton's official website, Ashworth said he was attracted by the club's ambition to grow.

“I am delighted to be joining Brighton & Hove Albion, one of the country’s most progressive clubs," he said. "This is a huge opportunity for me and I have taken a lot of time to talk to Tony Bloom, Paul Barber and Chris Hughton before making the decision to make the move.
 
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at The Football Association, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the chairman Greg Clarke, CEO Martin Glenn, England managers Gareth Southgate and Phil Neville, as well as the coaches and staff at all levels who have supported me so well.
 
“The success we have had with our national teams is down to careful planning and high performance from the players, but also the hard work and professionalism of a lot of people over a sustained period of time, and of course the relationship we have had with the clubs, the leagues and the national game. It’s been an honour and great pleasure to serve my country in the past half-decade.”

Ashworth has overseen England success at youth and senior level (Getty Images)

Ashworth is credited with playing a key role in the success of England's youth sides, while both the men and women's senior teams have reached World Cup semi-finals during his tenure.

But he was also heavily criticised and faced calls to step down for his part in the handling of former Chelsea striker Eni Aluko's complaints of bullying, harassment and racial remarks directed towards England Women's manager Mark Sampson, who was later sacked.

In a statement confirming Ashworth's departure, the FA added that the search for his replacement will begin immediately.

“Dan has been a terrific servant for The FA and put in place a high-achieving structure at St. George’s Park which will serve the organisation well in the years to come," Glenn said.

"Thanks to his work, we also have a strong support staff in place who will be able to build on the success of recent years and help us continue the significant progress of St. George’s Park and our England teams.

“I would like to wish Dan well in his new role at Brighton and l am sure he will continue to have a very positive influence on the English game. He will always be welcome at St. George’s Park and Wembley Stadium and I know Gareth Southgate and Phil Neville, in particular, will be grateful for all of his support and guidance.”

Southgate added: "In terms of the work of a technical director, I don’t think he could have had a bigger impact with the plans he put in place at the FA and the way that the national teams have progressed in the time Dan has been in charge.

“That’s coupled with the transition into St. George’s Park and the outstanding staff structure he’s put in place. I think he can be really proud.”