Ashworth swaps WBA for FA

Sky Sports understands West Brom have given permission to allow Dan Ashworth to start his new role with the FA earlier than anticipated.

The 41-year-old will move into his new position on Monday as the Football Association’s director of elite development.

He will join former Baggies boss Roy Hodgson in being appointed by the FA.

He had been due to work until the end of the season at the Hawthorns, but an agreement has been reached to suit both parties.

He will still be available to the Premier League side on a consultancy basis for one day a week until the summer.

Ashworth (pictured) will be based at the new National Football Centre at St George’s Park.  He will be replaced as sporting and technical director at West Brom by Richard Garlick, who was appointed to the position in January.

West Brom currently sit in the top eight in the Premier League, and last weekend’s 2-1 victory over struggling Sunderland took them to the magical 40 point barrier.

Baggies owner Jeremy Peace said: “Dan has worked tirelessly for this football club for the past nine years and leaves with our best wishes. 

“He has remained fully committed to his club responsibilities since it was announced last September he would be leaving, for which I would like to thank him. 

“The handover process with Richard has gone extremely well, which has enabled us to agree to an early departure date with the FA for Dan.”

By Simon Wright - Follow me on Twitter @Siwri88

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