Former Man Utd director Dan Ashworth appointed FA chief football officer

Former Manchester United Director of Football Dan Ashworth has been appointed as Chief Football Officer of the English FA, making him the first ever individual to hold that position.

With Ashworth’s return to football, he will be tasked with helping in the continued growth of English football.

His appointment signals a strong focus on elevating England’s national teams and coaching standards. Ashworth’s career includes notable positions such as director of elite development and technical director at the FA from 2013 to 2019.

After leaving the FA, he worked with clubs like Brighton, Newcastle United, and Manchester United, where he held the role of sporting director.

His extensive background in both national and club football positions him well to lead England’s high-performance strategies.

In his new role, Ashworth will be responsible for developing a successful England team and increasing the number of home-grown coaches.

He will also oversee the regeneration of St George’s Park, the national football centre, in preparation for Euro 2028.

The tournament will be hosted collectively by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, making this a crucial period for English football development.