Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is on the verge of being officially announced as the head of elite men’s and women’s development at the Football Association (FA). This marks a significant return for Ashworth, who previously held a prominent position at the FA before his brief tenure at Manchester United. His new role represents a commitment by the FA to enhance the quality of football development within the country, spanning both men’s and women’s teams.
Ashworth departed from Manchester United in December, having been with the prestigious club for only five months. His move to the Red Devils came after he was recruited from Newcastle United by Ineos. His time at Manchester reflected the challenges and intricacies involved in managing high-caliber football organizations. At the age of 54, Ashworth’s experience is extensive, having previously worked with the FA from 2012 to 2018, during which he played a key role in overseeing England’s elite teams at both the men’s and women’s levels. His contributions were instrumental in shaping the developmental structure within English football, focusing not just on the teams but also on coaching and educational aspects.
In his forthcoming role at the FA, Ashworth will be tasked primarily with the responsibility of cultivating and nurturing homegrown coaching talent, an area that has come under scrutiny in recent years. Currently, there are only two permanent English managers in the Premier League, a statistic that highlights the pressing need for the FA to revitalize its approach to coaching development. Mark Bullingham, the chief executive of the FA, has acknowledged this disparity and has pledged to implement changes aimed at improving the representation of English coaches in club management roles. By addressing this gap, the FA hopes to strengthen the grassroots framework of English football and ensure a brighter future for aspiring coaches.
Additionally, Ashworth is expected to lead the next phase of development at St George’s Park, the national training center that serves as the training base for all England teams. This facility is crucial for the development of players and coaching staff, reflecting the FA’s commitment to raising the standards in football across the nation. Improving resources at St George’s Park will enable targeted training and development programs that could benefit not just the elite teams, but also the wider football community.
Reports originating from the Telegraph suggest that John McDermott, who currently serves as the FA’s men’s technical director, will continue in his position, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity at the top levels of football development within the organization. However, the FA has so far refrained from making any additional comments on Ashworth’s appointment, leaving many details of his new role and the broader plans for the FA somewhat mysterious.
In a financial review conducted earlier in the year, it was revealed that the costs associated with hiring and then parting ways with Ashworth at Manchester United amounted to £4.1 million. The club has not clarified whether this financial figure would diminish should Ashworth officially return to the FA, adding a layer of complexity to the situation. In a candid remark about the club’s decision-making process, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe described Ashworth’s hiring as “an error on our part,” illustrating the challenges and missteps the club has faced in recent times.
Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that Ashworth has also been collaborating with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, advising them on performance strategy. This involvement reportedly stems from a voluntary role he began in 2021, and it remains an unpaid position. His engagement in various sports underscores his dedication to enhancing performance across disciplines, and his diverse experiences will likely provide valuable perspectives in his new role at the FA, as the organization continues to strive for growth and improvement in English football development.
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