We can confirm that Dan Ashworth has resigned as technical director to take up a similar role with Brighton and Hove Albion.
Ashworth, who initially joined from West Bromwich Albion in 2013 as director of elite development, has overseen a hugely successful performance period for elite England teams, culminating in the senior men’s side reaching the 2018 FIFA World Cup semi-finals this summer.
Last year, England won the FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups as well as the UEFA European U19 Championship while the senior women’s team reached the UEFA EURO semi-finals.
The search for his successor will begin immediately, with Ashworth set to leave the organisation in the New Year.
FA chief executive Martin Glenn said: “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.
"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.”
Gareth Southgate added: “Having recently attended a FIFA conference with Dan, we walked in the room as semi-finalists at a major tournament for the first time in 28 years but perhaps even more significantly as world champions at U17 and U20 level.
"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.”
Ashworth has also been responsible for the development of FA Education and its commitments to providing more qualified coaches into the English game, while St. George’s Park has gone from strength-to-strength as the national football centre and a worldwide FIFA centre of medical excellence.
“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 the coaches and staff at all levels who have supported me so well," said Ashworth.
“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.
“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.”
