Dan Ashworth to leave Brighton for new Premier League role amid Everton and Newcastle United DoF links

Dan Ashworth has departed Brighton and Hove Albion having served as their technical director since September 2018 and has been linked with Everton.
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Dan Ashworth has left his post as Brighton and Hove Albion’s technical director amid Everton links.

Former Toffees defender David Weir now takes over from Ashworth at the Amex Stadium on a temporary basis.

Why has Dan Ashworth left Brighton?

Ashworth has been at Brighton since September 2018.

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He was poached from the FA, having worked as director of elite development.

Ashworth was at the fulcrum of Brighton establishing themselves in the Premier League. He was responsible for appointing Graham Potter - recently linked with Everton - as manager.

The Seagulls currently sit ninth in the top-flight table.

But Ashworth has now been placed on gardening leave by Brighton ahead of taking up a new role at a rival Premier League club.

Dan Ashworth, right, alongside England manager Graham Potter. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty ImageDan Ashworth, right, alongside England manager Graham Potter. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Image
Dan Ashworth, right, alongside England manager Graham Potter. Picture: Dan Mullan/Getty Image

On Ashworth’s departure, 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.

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“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.

“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.”

Will Dan Ashworth join Everton?

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Ashworth was linked with becoming Everton’s new director of football last month.

The role at Goodison Park is still vacant after Marcel Brands’ departure in December.

The Dutchman left his post after three-and-a-half-years at the club.

The Toffees have been undergoing a strategic review behind the scenes, while Frank Lampard appointed new manager last week.

Ashworth is also claimed to be wanted by Newcastle United after their Saudi Arabian takeover.

The Athletic reports that the Magpies have agreed a deal for Ashworth to join at the end of the season.