http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11698/7638044/Hodgson backs Ashworth for FA
West Brom technical director could move to the FAWest Brom manager Roy Hodgson believes technical director Dan Ashworth should be a genuine contender for the vacant position at the Football Association.
The FA has revealed that it is to appoint a technical director for the first time in 10 years and the successful candidate will work at the new national football centre at St George's Park.
Ashworth was appointed in his role at The Hawthorns in 2007 and is well thought of at the club.
He has played a significant role in bringing striker Peter Odemwingie and midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu to the West Midlands outfit in recent years.
Gareth Southgate has also been linked with the post, while former England boss Steve McClaren has distanced himself from the position.
But Hodgson admits that, although he would like to keep Ashworth, he would not begrudge the FA looking at him.
Nice to see
He said: "It is nice to see Dan linked with the job. It is very good to see that. My understanding is the FA have just started to invite applicants.
"We would be devastated to lose Dan here because he is doing such a good job and we all enjoy working with him so much.
"But if he is a serious contender for the FA, I can only congratulate them on recognising his talent.
"Dan has got a lot of experience in a lot of areas. He is an incredible hard worker and puts in an awful lot of time at the club.
"He has knowledge of what is required in football at professional level right from below academy level and into the first team, where he is very much involved in our recruitment."