Brighton & Hove Albion have announced that David Weir will replace Dan Ashworth as Technical Director with immediate effect.
Following an agreement between Brighton and Newcastle, Ashworth was released ‘from his contractual obligations’ to move to St James’ Park as Newcastle’s new Sporting Director subject to Premier League approval.
Both clubs wish to keep the terms of their agreement private whilst Brighton issued the following message about Ashworth’s departure: “We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future.”
Brighton consequently moved swiftly to replace Ashworth as David Weir was appointed as the club’s new Technical Director within the following hours, having previously served as interim Technical Director since February.
Weir’s duties as Technical Director will see him take charge of all football operations from recruitment to analysis plus medical and player welfare across both of the Seagulls’ men and women’s teams.
Brighton Chairman, Tony Bloom described Weir as “standout candidate” to replace Ashworth and pointed to his “very strong” credentials across various roles he previously held at Brighton.
Bloom proceeded to praise Weir for utilising his “experience, knowledge and ability” as interim Technical Director, which saw him help Graham Potter guide the men’s team to a club-record ninth-placed Premier League finish whilst also assisting the Women’s team in the Women’s Super League.
The 52 year-old added that he plus Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive, Paul Barber had developed a solid working bond with Weir as he concluded: “In that time he has already further enhanced an already excellent working relationship with both Paul Barber and me, as well as our executive team responsible for the running of the club.”
Barber noted that Weir’s rich footballing intellect has benefitted both Potter plus Women’s First Team manager – Hope Powell, as well as Academy, Medical and Executive teams within the last four months underlining why Weir is highly respected within the footballing world.
Looking ahead to the future, Barber believes that Weir’s vision matches the club’s ambitions as he commented: “David’s approach dovetails with the club’s culture and values, and he will be a key figure in helping the club as it strives to achieve its aim of becoming a regular top-ten side in the Premier League.”
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