It looks like Newcastle United are finally closing in on a new Director of Football – and it looks like Dan Ashworth will be the man who lands the role at St James’ Park.
Brighton have announced this morning that 50-year-old has resigned, leaving his position ‘as technical director to take a similar role at another Premier League club.’
The Athletic – along with several other outlets – claim he will now have a period of gardening leave before taking the job on Tyneside after initially holding talks with the club back in December.
This will be a huge appointment for the club and arguably the best signing we’ve made yet under the new regime.
Not only did Ashworth do a superb job within the FA, playing a key role in revolutionising English football, he’d more recently helped oversee Brighton’s rise from relegation contenders to top 10 hopefuls.
The club have transformed during his time in charge, not only appointing Graham Potter and bringing in some superb signings – Cucurella, Lamptey, Bissouma and Webster to name a few – but also securing top class training facilities.
Here’s conformation from The Athletic, followed by Brighton’s statement via CEO Paul Barber:
“We are sorry to learn of Dan’s decision. He’s been an important part of the club’s senior management team since joining us from The FA, and has made a significant contribution to our club’s progress in the Premier League and Women’s Super League.
“On a personal level, I will be sad to see Dan leave as we’d developed a close day to day working relationship. Dan’s been an excellent colleague and has become a good friend as well. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.
“However, as is the case with all top-quality people in any industry, we are always conscious of the risk of losing key staff to a rival. With that in mind, we always put in place contingencies and succession plans that are designed to minimise the impact on our club.
