Potential Senior Role:: Ashworth, 54, is in talks for a significant position overseeing both men's and women's technical operations at the FA.
St George's Park Focus:: The role is expected to include managing the next phase of refurbishment for St George's Park, dubbed the 'St George's Park 2.0 project'.
Coach Development Emphasis:: A key part of the potential role involves addressing the development of homegrown English coaches, with currently only two English managers in the Premier League.
Previous FA Stint:: Ashworth previously worked at the FA from 2012 to 2018, initially as director of elite development, overseeing periods of both success (youth team triumphs, World Cup semi-finals) and disappointment for England teams.
Recent Career Moves:: His potential return follows a turbulent period including roles at Brighton, a high-profile move to Newcastle, and a brief, five-month tenure at Manchester United which ended in dismissal last December and cost the club a reported £4.1m.
Why this matters:: Ashworth's potential return could significantly influence the strategic direction of English football, particularly concerning national team performance, talent identification, and the pathways for domestic coaching talent.
Dan Ashworth's potential comeback to The Football Association marks another significant turn in a high-profile career within English football administration. After being dismissed by Manchester United in December 2024 following just five months as sporting director – a move Sir Jim Ratcliffe later termed 'an error' – Ashworth is now linked with a major strategic role back at the FA.
His first spell at the FA (2012-2018) saw him rise to oversee the entire football operation at St George's Park. This period included notable successes, such as the England U17 and U20 teams winning their respective World Cups in 2017, and the senior men's team reaching the World Cup semi-finals in 2018. However, it also encompassed disappointing campaigns like the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Before his initial FA role, Ashworth built his reputation at West Bromwich Albion (2004-2012), progressing from academy manager to technical director and overseeing successful recruitment. Post-FA, he served as technical director at Brighton (2018-2022) and sporting director at Newcastle (2022-2024) before the ill-fated move to Manchester United.
The proposed new role would reportedly see Ashworth lead the 'St George's Park 2.0' initiative, aimed at evolving the national football centre. Crucially, it would also involve a focus on nurturing English coaching talent, a point of concern for the FA given the low representation of English managers in the top flight. Reports suggest current FA technical director John McDermott would remain in his position.
Ashworth's extensive experience across club and national levels makes him a significant figure. His return could bring renewed focus and potentially a different approach to elite player and coach development within the English game.
Q: Why did Dan Ashworth leave Manchester United?
He was dismissed by Manchester United's new Ineos leadership in December 2024 after only five months in the role as sporting director. Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe described the hiring as 'an error'.
Q: What would Ashworth's potential new role at the FA entail?
Reports suggest he would oversee both men's and women's technical operations, lead the refurbishment project for St George's Park, and focus on improving the development pathways for English coaches.
Q: What was Ashworth's previous role at the FA?
He was the FA's director of elite development and later oversaw the entire football operation at St George's Park between 2012 and 2018, covering all England teams, coach education, and sports science.
Strategic Shift:: Ashworth's potential appointment could signal a renewed emphasis on specific areas like coach development and the long-term strategy for England's national teams.
Impact on Coaching:: Football coaches and administrators may see changes in FA programs and pathways aimed at increasing top-level opportunities for homegrown talent.
Continuity and Change:: While bringing back a known figure, the role's focus on 'St George's Park 2.0' and coaching suggests an evolution rather than a simple return to the past.
Dan Ashworth has experienced highs and lows at club and national level. Do you think his potential return to the FA is a positive move for English football? Let us know!
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