Dan Ashworth has had mixed success in his career since leaving West Brom in 2012, but he now looks set for a new role.

Ashworth worked his way up to become technical director at The Hawthorns, but left Albion to join the FA in 2012.

He remained in his role at the FA until 2019, when he joined Brighton and Hove Albion as a director. After a successful period with the Seagulls, he moved to Newcastle United.

Ashworth’s reputation grew, and he was eventually hired by Manchester United after a long pursuit. However, he was sacked just five months after moving to Old Trafford as their own internal issues continued.

West Brom ex-chief Ashworth in talks with The FA

It has now been revealed that Ashworth could make a “shock return” to the FA, with talks commencing between the 54-year-old and the Football Association.

Ashworth would return to the FA in a senior role, with The Telegraph suggesting that his previous success at the organisation has motivated plans to bring him back.

Club/Organisation	Years
West Brom	2004-2012
The FA	2012-2019
Brighton	2019-2022
Newcastle	2022-2024
Man United	2024

England won the under-17 and under-20 World Cups, and the under-19 Euros all in the same year during Ashworth’s previous spell in charge, and the former West Brom director is clearly still held in high regard despite his failure at Man United.

Aside from his Old Trafford spell, Ashworth built up a positive reputation over the years, and his time at West Brom saw him make some astute signings.

Ashworth’s best West Brom transfers

Ashworth did pull off some bargain deals whilst at West Brom, and one of his best was signing striker Peter Odemwingie from Lokomotiv Moscow in 2010.

Although Odemwingie ended his time at the club controversially after an infamous trip to QPR, he arrived at The Hawthorns as a £1.5m relatively unknown forward, and scored 30 goals overall.

Ashworth also signed Romelu Lukaku on loan from Chelsea for the 2012-13 season, with the then-wonderkid an instant hit at West Brom as he netted 17 goals, including a hat-trick against Manchester United in Sir Alex Ferguson’s final game before retirement.

The director also signed Baggies icon Gareth McCauley on a free transfer from Ipswich, despite reservations from others at the time over his viability, and this was perhaps the deal that showed why his eye for talent was so highly thought of.

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