Why Has Dan Ashworth Rejoined the FA as Chief Football Officer?
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Synopsis
Dan Ashworth returns to the FA in a groundbreaking role as Chief Football Officer, leading the charge for high-performance strategies and the renovation of St. George’s Park. His extensive experience promises to enhance both men's and women's teams in England as they gear up for UEFA Euro 2028.
Key Takeaways
- Dan Ashworth is the first Chief Football Officer of the FA.
- He will lead the high-performance strategy for national teams.
- Ashworth has extensive experience in top football roles.
- St. George's Park will undergo major renovations.
- His role includes fostering homegrown talent.
London, May 14 (NationPress) The English Football Association (FA) has announced the appointment of Dan Ashworth as its inaugural Chief Football Officer, tasked with spearheading the high-performance strategy and revitalizing St. George’s Park.
Ashworth previously served as the FA’s Director of Elite Development and subsequently as Technical Director from 2013 to 2019. More recently, he spent a brief period as the Sporting Director at Manchester United, a role he left abruptly in September.
After gaining valuable experience at three Premier League clubs, he is now assuming a newly established position within the FA, where he will have a strategic overview of both the men’s and women’s national teams.
Additionally, he will oversee the redevelopment of St. George’s Park, which is set to receive significant enhancements to its state-of-the-art performance facilities and pitches as England prepares to co-host UEFA Euro 2028.
Reporting to FA CEO Mark Bullingham, Ashworth will collaborate with men’s technical director John McDermott and the successor to Kay Cossington in the women’s technical department.
His primary focus will be on maximizing the potential of the national football center and establishing long-term systems that support the FA’s performance objectives, which include enhancing England teams and nurturing more homegrown coaches.
“Dan is a highly influential and respected figure in the sport, with a deep commitment to England Football. We are thrilled to have him back in this new position,” said Bullingham.
Ashworth's exit from Manchester United came as a major surprise after the club had made significant efforts to bring him in from Newcastle United.
During his short tenure at Old Trafford, Ashworth was involved in an extensive transfer activity that cost around £200 million (approximately $280 million), acquiring players such as Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee.
Point of View
The appointment of Dan Ashworth as Chief Football Officer represents a strategic move by the FA to enhance the quality and competitiveness of English football. His extensive experience and commitment to the sport will be vital as England prepares for upcoming international challenges.
NationPress
27/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dan Ashworth?
Dan Ashworth is a former technical director at the FA and has held key positions at several Premier League clubs. He has now been appointed as the FA's first Chief Football Officer.
What will be Ashworth's responsibilities?
Ashworth will lead the high-performance strategy for both men's and women's teams and oversee the redevelopment of St. George's Park.
What is St. George's Park?
St. George's Park is the national football center for England, designed to host training and development for the national teams.
Why did Ashworth leave Manchester United?
Ashworth's departure from Manchester United came as a surprise following a brief tenure where he was involved in significant transfer activities.
What are the FA's goals for the future?
The FA aims to improve the performance of its national teams and develop more homegrown coaches as it prepares for UEFA Euro 2028.
