Former Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth is back in work.
It has been an eventful few months for Ashworth, who has since been replaced by Paul Mitchell at Newcastle United.
Indeed, Ashworth left Newcastle for Manchester United last summer but lasted only a few months at Old Trafford.
Recently, the Daily Telegraph claimed that Ashworth had told people he regretted leaving Newcastle for Manchester United, having been shown the door by part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe quickly.
Now, however, the 54-year-old has found a new job.
Photo by Valerio Pennicino - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
FA confirm Dan Ashworth return with new statement
The Football Association (FA) have confirmed Ashworth has returned to their set-up to work as ‘Chief Football Officer’.
He will oversee a rebuild at St George’s Park, which is set for a significant upgrade ahead of England joint-hosting Euro 2028.
Part of his remit will also see Ashworth look to develop homegrown coaches. That is particularly interesting considering the debate over whether or not the FA should have appointed Thomas Tuchel over an English manager.
MORE NEWCASTLE STORIES
In a statement posted on the FA’s official website, CEO Mark Bullingham said: “Dan is a hugely influential and respected figure in the game, who has a long-standing commitment to England Football.
“We are very happy to welcome him back in this new role.”
Why did Dan Ashworth leave Manchester United?
It’s fair to say things didn’t initially work out for the sporting director upon his departure from Newcastle.
Manchester United paid £5million to appoint Ashworth but the experiment did not last long. After arriving in July, he left Old Trafford in December.
Speaking about his exit, Ratcliffe confirmed that Ashworth left Manchester United because of poor “chemistry”.
With that in mind, it’s easy to see why Ashworth might have regretted his decision to leave St James’ Park so quickly.
Still, he’s clearly a highly rated operator behind the scenes and the FA role sounds impressive.
Overall, he’s landed on his feet, but Newcastle have moved on. It’s hard to judge his replacement’s tenure just yet but Newcastle insiders think Mitchell is an upgrade on Ashworth.