Les Reed has been appointed as our new technical director.
Reed will return to The FA to take up his new role at St. George’s Park in February 2019, and will be responsible for all elite England men’s sides from development teams through to the seniors.
He will also oversee the work of FA Education, with its objective of helping to grow the number of qualified and appropriately-skilled coaches, and the wider work of the national football centre including sports science and medicine. In addition, he will work closely with director of women’s football, Baroness Sue Campbell.
Until last month, Reed was vice-chairman at Premier League club Southampton, the club he first joined in 2010 and where he had responsibility for all football matters. In more than three decades in coaching roles, he also notably worked at Charlton Athletic and Fulham.
“I am honoured to be appointed as The FA’s technical director at such an exciting time for the game in this country," said Reed.
"We are coming off the back of the most incredible year and I have nothing but respect for the outstanding work of Dan Ashworth and all the coaches and staff at St. George’s Park.
“The challenge will be to continue the progress that has been made and I hope I can bring my experience to help England teams continue on the right path. I am passionate about coaching, about helping English players to be the best they can be and also want to work closely with the clubs and leagues we have in this country. I cannot wait to get started.”
Martin Glenn, FA chief executive, added: “We are pleased to confirm Les Reed as Dan Ashworth’s successor as technical director and believe he is the right person to continue to build on the clear signs of progression at St. George’s Park.
“His experience in the game is unrivalled so it is no surprise that he came through a thorough recruitment process as the outstanding candidate. As well as working across the England pathway and FA Education, it’s important we continue to develop strong relationships with the wider game for the benefit of English football and Les will be well-placed to continue to strengthen those relationships.”
With Reed arriving as the replacement for the outgoing Ashworth, England will be embarking on an exciting year in 2019 including the UEFA European Under-21 Championship and the UEFA Nations League finals as well as UEFA EURO 2020 qualifying.
Reed has previously worked for The FA in two spells. Firstly between 1986 and 1995 in various coaching capacities that included travelling to the 1990 World Cup. He then held various technical roles between 1998 and 2004, with the latter two years as technical director.
During that time, Reed amassed plenty of experience around the international set-up, particularly working with development teams and travelling far and wide to further his knowledge and expertise. He also spent time working alongside illustrious coaches like Sir Bobby Robson, Don Howe, Dave Sexton and Kevin Keegan.
As a highly-regarded coach educator, Reed has authored coaching manuals and was an original designer of the current UEFA Pro Licence.
