Dan Ashworth returns to West Brom to tell stories to Hawthorns Hub group

Albion's former sporting and technical director, who is currently out of work, dropped into the group's football memories meeting this week to talk through tales of his successful spell at The Hawthorns.

Ashworth worked at Albion between 2004 and 2012. He moved from a youth manager role to become sporting and technical director in late 2007 and earned rave reviews in leading the squad's football and specifically recruitment operations which brought Premier League stability and success.

The group is led by John Homer, chairman of Albion's Official Supporters Club, who spoke with Ashworth as the latter told stories to around 20 members of the football memories group, which is for supporters or members of the public who have Alzheimer's and dementia.

Homer said: "It was great to have Dan pop by and show his face and speak to our members, it was lovely to see him.

"He spoke about some of the players he helped bring to the club and some other memories from his time at the club. The group really enjoyed listening to him."

Among the players Ashworth brought to The Hawthorns are Peter Odemwingie and Claudio Yacob, who he spoke about to the group's members.

Albion finished 11th, 10th and eighth in the Premier League between 2010 and 2013. It was midway through the latter campaign that Ashworth swapped The Hawthorns for The FA as director of elite development. While working for the governing body he was credited with building the foundations through the youth ranks to allow Gareth Southgate future senior success.

The football memories group is held at The Hawthorns every Wednesday morning from 10am until 12pm and share tales and anecdotes from the club's history and also stories from the region.

Former players are regular guests as legendary defender Ally Robertson this week joined the members.

The group is always happy for new members, to book a place or register interest contact ajay.gill@albionfoundation.co.uk

Following his departure from the Baggies Ashworth spent six years with the FA before Premier League spells at Brighton and Newcastle.

He joined Manchester United as sporting director in July 2024 but only spent five months in the role before his exit was confirmed by mutual consent, with the Old Trafford club citing a restructure.

The director, 54, has this week been linked with Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr - the club of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo.

Reports in Italy have linked Ashworth to the post in the Middle East in a return to the game.

Al-Nassr are third in the Saudi Arabia top flight and have a star-studded squad including Ronaldo, who made the move in 2023. In January the club brought Villa's Jhon Duran in a deal worth up to £71million, as well as ex-Premier League stars like Sadio Mane and Aymeric Laporte.

Ashworth's son Zac, a left-back, rose through the youth ranks at The Hawthorns and left for League One side Burton Albion last summer.