Dan Ashworth ready for shock comeback role

Dan Ashworth, the former sporting director of Newcastle United, is reportedly in talks to return to the Football Association (FA) in a senior position.

Ashworth, 54, has been unemployed since his dismissal by Manchester United last year. He had only been at Old Trafford for five months after moving from Newcastle in early 2024.

He initially made his name at the FA, where he worked from 2012 to 2018. During his time there, he played a key role in implementing the FA’s DNA programme.

Ashworth progressed from head of elite development to leading the entire football operation at St George’s Park. In 2018, he left the FA to become the sporting director at Brighton and Hove Albion.

Recent reports from The Telegraph suggest that Ashworth is now being considered for an important role back at St George’s Park. The position would involve overseeing the new “St George’s Park 2.0 project.”

In this role, Ashworth would also be responsible for managing both the men’s and women’s national teams, as well as junior teams. Additionally, he would focus on the development of coaches within the organization.

Meanwhile, the men’s national football team has undergone changes, with German coach Thomas Tuchel recently taking over from Gareth Southgate. The decision comes amid concerns about the availability of English coaches for leadership roles.

Currently, only two English managers, Eddie Howe from Newcastle and Graham Potter from West Ham, are active in the Premier League.

Overall, Ashworth’s potential return to the FA could reshape the future of English football. Particularly with the ambitious plans for St George’s Park and the national teams.

His leadership and experience may play a vital role in enhancing the development and success of football in England. During his previous time at the FA, Dan Ashworth contributed to significant achievements.

The Under-17 and Under-20 teams became world champions in 2017, while the Under-19 team won the European championship that same year. He played a key role in appointing Gareth Southgate as the England manager after the Sam Allardyce scandal. Ashworth witnessed Southgate lead the team to the World Cup semi-finals in his final year at the FA.

At Newcastle United, Ashworth was responsible for the “overarching sporting strategy, football development and recruitment at all age levels.” He joined the club in 2022 after Newcastle sought his expertise from Brighton, where he was on gardening leave before taking the new role.

However, Ashworth’s tenure at Newcastle was short-lived. This is because he chose to leave the club in February 2024 to join Manchester United.

His move to Manchester United was complicated. He was placed on leave again while the two clubs negotiated the terms of his departure, which became a public and contentious process.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, described Ashworth as “one of the best” in the world. He also criticized Newcastle’s demands regarding his notice period. After arriving at Old Trafford in the summer, Ashworth was involved in significant decisions, including extending Erik ten Hag’s contract and committing to over £205 million in transfers.

Eventually, Ashworth’s time at Manchester United ended poorly. Following Ten Hag’s dismissal, Ashworth suggested Gareth Southgate as a potential replacement. However, the club opted for Ruben Amorim instead. Ashworth left the club in December, with Ratcliffe explaining that “it was chemistry” that led to the decision to part ways.

Since then, Ashworth has been linked to several opportunities. This includes the role of sporting director at Arsenal and a potential position in Saudi Arabia under Newcastle’s owners.