West Bromwich Albion football chief Dan Ashworth joins the FA with the club's best wishes.

Ashworth has been confirmed by The Football Association as their new Director of Elite Development. He won't move into the post until the summer.

Albion chairman Jeremy Peace said: "Dan has worked tirelessly for this Club over the past eight years.

"He has certainly taken on a challenging role within The FA and will leave with our best wishes.

"The Sporting & Technical Director post is a position we firmly believed was vital to the success of this football club and Dan has helped to shape this role.

"He has overseen the appointment of three head coaches and the continuation of the club's traditional playing philosophy.

"His contribution has been a key factor in our two most recent promotion successes and the securing of an unprecedented third successive season in the Barclays Premier League.

"We have had discussions with Dan in an effort to persuade him to stay but the opportunity to work within the national set-up is an ambition he has held for a long time."