Brighton & Hove Albion's technical director Dan Ashworth has resigned his position at the club to assume a similar role at another Premier League club.

Former Scotland international David Weir will become Brighton's acting technical director with immediate effect after recently taking the assistant role in the position. 

Newcastle United have been rumoured to be eyeing Ashworth's services, with speculation sure to intensify following Albion's announcement this morning. 

Ashworth joined the club in 2019 and has been a pivotal figure in establishing a solidified position in the Premier League and guiding the club away from the drop zone.

Despite losing the services of players such as Ben White to Arsenal and, recently, Dan Burn to Newcastle, Ashworth has ensured Brighton's stability and made shrewd manoeuvres to improve the team year on year.

Brighton are currently enjoying their best season in the top-flight, and sit in ninth place after 22 matches played. 

Senior Seagull figures offer their thoughts

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.”

Ashworth will see out his contractual obligations and complete any outstanding duties for the club, but will not be required to attend the club's premises, or attend match occasions, during this period.

When duties have been concluded, Ashworth is understood to be focussed on pursuing a similar role at another club.

Brighton's chief executive and deputy chairman Paul Barber expressed his sadness over Ashworth's imminent departure, adding, “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. 

“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.”

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