Dan Ashworth says Brighton are one of the country's most progressive clubs after taking new role

Dan Ashworth says the technical director role at Brighton is a huge opportunity for him.
The Amex. Picture by PW Sporting PhotographyThe Amex. Picture by PW Sporting Photography
The Amex. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

The 47-year-old leaves The FA to become Albion's first technical director, a role he will begin in the spring.

Ashworth, who began his career in football as a youth team player at Norwich City, served Norwich, Peterborough United, Cambridge United and West Bromwich Albion in various coaching and development roles. In 2013 he left his role as sporting and technical director at the Hawthorns for his current role at The FA.

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Ashworth is the architect of the England DNA programme, which now runs through the core of the England men’s and women’s teams at all levels. It has already borne success, which includes World Cup wins at men’s under-17 and under-20 levels; while the women’s senior team finished third at the 2015 tournament and have qualified for next year’s finals in France.

He was also key in the recruitment of Gareth Southgate as England men's manager and Phil Neville as women's manager.

On taking the role with Brighton, Ashworth said: “I am delighted to be joining Brighton & Hove Albion, one of the country’s most progressive clubs.

"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.

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“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.”