West Brom's Dan Ashworth linked with FA top job

West Bromwich Albion are on alert to tackle a double-whammy from the FA in this summer's search for a new managerial team to take England forward.

West Bromwich Albion are on alert to tackle a double-whammy from the FA in this summer's search for a new managerial team to take England forward.

The Baggies' hopes of persuading Roy Hodgson to extend his Hawthorns stay is already entangled in their Head Coach's running to succeed Fabio Capello.

Now West Brom's Sporting and Technical director Dan Ashworth is being linked to the vacancy announced from Soho Square on Tuesday which sees the FA looking for their own Technical Director.

Hawthorns sources stress that there has been no contact involving Ashworth, but it is inevitable the 41-year-old will be on the FA radar having established a reputation as one of the country's leading performers in a role not always easily integrated in English football culture.

That Ashworth's name is being linked to the post by London media sources adds to a confusing picture for the Baggies as this season enters its final phase.

Hodgson has also been named as a potential candidate for the Technical Director's post as an alternative to the job of running the team for which Spurs boss Harry Redknapp remains a marginal favourite.

Also in the running for the Technical Director's post will be ex-England defender and Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate who is already head of the FA's elite development programme.

Steve Wigley, a close associate of current caretaker boss Stuart Pearce, is also being linked to the opening.

But former England manager Steve McClaren has ruled himself out.