FA Dir of Football Development Trevor Brooking revealed that "the FA has decided against appointing a single technical director," according to Peter Lansley of the LONDON TIMES. Brooking said that the responsibilities within English football "will henceforth be divided into at least two new roles." Former FA Head of Elite Development Gareth Southgate had appeared to be a "shoe-in for the technical director's job earlier this summer," but his decision to withdraw from contention has persuaded the FA into rethink. The interviewing process, plus the opening of the new national football center at St. George Park, "have informed English football's governing body that such a role would be too all-encompassing for one individual." EPL West Bromwich Albion Technical Dir Dan Ashworth "has long been earmarked as a leading contender." The impact that Roy Hodgson has made since he became manager of England's senior team has also been a factor as the former West Brom manager "has been proving adept and willing to work across the age groups." The FA "will look to make a succession of appointments over the coming weeks" and Ashworth, who worked successfully with Hodgson at The Hawthorns before Fabio Capello's departure, "could still be in line for a leading position" (LONDON TIMES, 9/3).
