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Newcastle will appoint Dan Ashworth as the club’s director of football after he resigned from his role at Brighton.
The 50-year-old was granted permission to speak with Newcastle last month and, after being offered the job on Friday, he will now become the first major appointment of the Saudi-led ownership at executive level.
Ashworth was the Football Association’s director of elite development for six years before joining Brighton in 2018.
Newcastle will appoint Dan Ashworth as their director of football after he resigned at Brighton
He was head-hunted for the Newcastle position by recruitment specialists Nolan Partners and will be charged with structuring and overseeing football operations inside St James’ Park. The club will also appoint a new chief executive.
Ashworth will first complete a period of gardening leave at Brighton.
The club said in a statement: ‘Dan Ashworth has resigned from his position as technical director to take a similar role at another Premier League club.
Ashworth will take charge of all football operations, working closely with manager Eddie Howe
Brighton chief executive Paul Barber said: ‘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.
‘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.’
Albion chairman Tony Bloom said: ‘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.’
