Ashworth worked as England's director of elite development at the FA between 2012 and 2018 Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is set to be unveiled as the Football Association's head of elite men's and women's development. Ashworthleft Manchester United in Decemberhaving spent just five months at Old Trafford, after Ineos hired him from Newcastle United. The 54-year-old was previously at the FA between 2012 and 2018 - in charge of England's elite men's and women's teams as well as FA education and coaching. Part of Ashworth's new role will be to oversee the development of homegrown coaches. Only two current permanent Premier League managers are English, and FA chief executive Mark Bullingham recently confirmed that changes are being made to address the issue. It is also expected that Ashworth will oversee the next stage of the refurbishment of St George's Park - home to all of England's teams. As first reported by the Telegraph, John McDermott, the FA's men's technical director, is to remain in his position. The FA has declined to comment. In February, it was established through United's accounts that hiring and firing Ashworth cost £4.1m, but the club have not said if there would be any reduction in that figure if he returned to the FA. In an interview with BBC Sport earlier this year, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe calledhiring Ashworth"an error on our part". It was also revealed in February that Ashworth was working with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, advising on performance strategy. However, sources told BBC Sport this was a continuation of a voluntary role he took up with the club in 2021, and that it remained an unpaid position.
Ex-Man Utd sporting director Ashworth to return to FA
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Dan Ashworth Returns to FA as Head of Elite Development"
TruthLens AI Summary
Dan Ashworth, the former sporting director of Manchester United, is set to return to the Football Association (FA) as the head of elite men's and women's development. Ashworth previously held a significant role at the FA from 2012 to 2018, where he was responsible for overseeing England's elite teams and managing FA education and coaching initiatives. His recent tenure at Manchester United lasted only five months before he departed in December, following a controversial hiring process that cost the club approximately £4.1 million. Despite the brief stint at Old Trafford, Ashworth's return to the FA highlights the organization's commitment to nurturing homegrown talent, particularly in response to the concerning statistic that only two current permanent managers in the Premier League are English. This move aligns with the FA's broader strategy to enhance the development of local coaches and ensure a sustainable future for English football.
In his new role, Ashworth will also be tasked with overseeing the renovation of St George's Park, the training center for all of England's teams, a project that is seen as vital for the future of English football. The FA has confirmed that John McDermott will remain as the men's technical director, ensuring continuity in the technical department. While the FA has not publicly commented on Ashworth's return, it is clear that his experience and previous successes at the FA will be instrumental in advancing the organization's objectives. Additionally, Ashworth has been involved with Warwickshire County Cricket Club in an advisory role, which remains unpaid and is seen as a continuation of his voluntary efforts since 2021. This multifaceted approach to development underscores the FA's recognition of the need for strategic improvements within English football, particularly in fostering local coaching talent and enhancing the overall quality of the sport in the country.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article reveals that former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is returning to the Football Association (FA) as the head of elite men's and women's development. His previous tenure at the FA saw him overseeing England's elite teams and coach education. Ashworth’s new responsibilities will include developing homegrown coaches and managing the refurbishment of St George's Park. This return follows a brief and costly stint at Manchester United, which has sparked some negative commentary about his hiring.
Intent Behind the Publication
This piece aims to inform the public about Ashworth's return to a significant role in English football. By outlining his background and responsibilities, it seeks to convey a sense of continuity and progress within the FA, especially regarding the development of domestic coaches. The mention of the limited number of English managers in the Premier League highlights an ongoing concern, suggesting that the FA is taking proactive steps to address this issue. This reinforces a narrative that the FA is committed to improving the domestic coaching landscape.
Public Perception
The article likely intends to create a perception of optimism and strategic development within English football. By emphasizing Ashworth's accomplishments and the importance of his role, it aims to instill confidence in the FA's efforts to nurture local talent and coaches. However, the criticism from Manchester United's ownership regarding his previous hiring may create a counter-narrative that questions his capabilities.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on Ashworth's qualifications and the strategic importance of his new role, it might gloss over the financial implications of his previous hiring and firing at Manchester United. The mention of the £4.1 million cost without clarity on any potential financial recovery could raise questions about fiscal responsibility.
Manipulative Elements
The article does not overtly manipulate in terms of language or targeted messages, but it does selectively highlight aspects of Ashworth's career that could influence public opinion positively. The lack of commentary from critics or additional context about his brief tenure at Manchester United could be seen as a bias toward portraying him favorably.
Comparative Context
In relation to other news pieces on football management changes, the article aligns with a trend of emphasizing developmental roles and the nurturing of homegrown talent. It connects with broader discussions in sports media about the need for sustainable coaching practices and local talent development, which has become particularly pertinent in the wake of increasing foreign ownership in leagues like the Premier League.
Implications for Stakeholders
The announcement could have various implications for stakeholders in English football, including clubs, coaches, and fans. A successful implementation of Ashworth's plans might enhance the quality of coaching in the domestic league, potentially leading to greater success for English teams in international competitions. Conversely, if his role does not yield noticeable improvements, it could lead to further scrutiny of the FA's management strategies.
Targeted Communities
This news likely appeals to football enthusiasts, particularly those invested in the development of English football. It may resonate with communities advocating for increased representation of homegrown talent in coaching and management positions.
Market Impact
While the news may not have immediate effects on stock markets, it could influence perceptions of clubs with significant investments in coaching and development. Clubs that prioritize local talent may see this as a positive development, while those heavily reliant on foreign management might face scrutiny.
Global Context
On a broader scale, the article reflects ongoing discussions about national identity and local talent in sports. As global dynamics shift, the emphasis on developing homegrown coaches aligns with a larger narrative about self-sufficiency and national pride in sports.
Regarding artificial intelligence usage, it is unclear if AI was involved in drafting this article. However, if AI models were applied, they may have influenced the narrative structure or language to ensure clarity and engagement. The absence of nuanced criticism or a broader perspective on Ashworth’s previous stint could suggest a potential AI-driven bias toward a more favorable portrayal.
Overall, the article provides a generally trustworthy account of Ashworth's return, though it selectively emphasizes positive aspects of his career while potentially downplaying criticisms.