Newcastle get their man as Dan Ashworth resigns at Brighton & Hove Albion

Matthew Briggs 07 Feb 2022 10:33 AM

Dan Ashworth has resigned from his position as Brighton’s technical director to “take up a similar role at another Premier League club”, the Seagulls have announced.

Brighton said that, in line with his contract, Ashworth would now start “an extended period of gardening leave, after which he will be able to take up a new position elsewhere”. And that position will be at Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

It’s understood the Magpies have pursued Ashworth ever since they were taken over by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

But now a number of widespread sources, including the The Times, Daily Mail and The Athletic have reported that Newcastle have finally got their No 1 target.

Ashworth, 50, joined Brighton from the Football Association in 2019.

So former Scotland international David Weir will become Brighton’s acting technical director with immediate effect. Weir, 51, will step up from his assistant role.

Deputy chairman and chief executive Paul Barber told the club’s website: “We are sorry to learn of Dan’s decision. He’s been an important part of the club’s senior management team since joining us from The FA. And has made a significant contribution to our club’s progress in the Premier League and Women’s Super League.

“On a personal level, I will be sad to see Dan leave as we’d developed a close day to day working relationship. Dan’s been an excellent colleague and has become a good friend as well. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.

Bloom disappointed at Ashworth departure

“However, as is the case with all top-quality people in any industry, we are always conscious of the risk of losing key staff to a rival. With that in mind, we always put in place contingencies and succession plans that are designed to minimise the impact on our club.

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“As such, our assistant technical director, David Weir, will now step up and assume the role of acting technical director. He is someone with an excellent knowledge of the role and of our club’s culture from working side-by-side with Dan.

“As previously, we will conduct a search process for the role of technical director, as it is only right to do so. We anticipate a lot of high-calibre applicants. But we also fully expect and hope David will be a candidate in this process.”

Meanwhile, chairman Tony Bloom added: “We are extremely disappointed that Dan will no longer be our technical director. He leaves a significant legacy in place and for that we are greatly appreciative.

“Dan’s done an outstanding job. And helped build on the progress the club had already made across all of our technical areas. I wish Dan and his family well for the future.”

Newcastle United