FA technical director Dan Ashworth in talks over Brighton role

Ashworth, who joined the FA in 2012 initially as director of elite development before his promotion to the technical director role three years later, has attracted interest from elite clubs in the Premier League and abroad in recent times with his reputation enhanced by the national team’s fourth-place finish at the summer’s World Cup. He is a close ally of the England manager, Gareth Southgate, within the set-up at St George’s Park, and drew up the elite player development plan known as ‘England DNA’ aimed at creating more successful sides across senior men’s and women’s football.

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With that in mind, Ashworth’s anticipated departure could be perceived as a blow to Southgate. The 47-year-old, a former player at Norwich City, previously held the technical director role at West Bromwich Albion in the topflight but, while at the FA, saw the national men’s under-17s and under-20s win their respective World Cups, the under-19s become European champions and the under-21s reach the semi-finals of the European Championships.

The governing body are loathe to lose Ashworth, but have fielded Brighton’s interest and are increasingly resigned to the reality that he will move on. The technical director had been asked about his future during the World Cup in Russia, and suggested a return to the club game would appeal. “I’ve been here five and a half years,” he said. “I loved my time in club football and at some stage I’m sure I will go back – either when they get sick and bored of me here or when there is another opportunity.”

Brighton, who finished 15th last season and have had to deflect interest from elsewhere to secure Ashworth, would offer him complete control of football operations from their state of the art training complex at Lancing, Sussex, and are confident agreement can be reached with the FA over compensation due.

Albion have been using the London-based agency, Nolan Partners, to pursue potential candidates to fill the role. The appointment of a technical director would not affect the positions of the manager Chris Hughton, current head of recruitment Paul Winstanley, the academy manager John Morley or the head of medical services Adam Brett.