Paul Barber has revealed why FA technical director Dan Ashworth is joining Albion.

Ashworth is leaving the FA to take up a similar job with the Seagulls.

He will start work with the Premier League outfit in the spring.

Albion chief executive Barber revealed the appointment ends a long search for the right person for the key strategic post.

Ashworth’s arrival will not change the way the fist team set-up operates under boss Chris Hughton.

Barber said: “We’ve been delighted with the progress we’ve made across the club with all our teams over recent seasons, and our aim is that Dan’s arrival will help us to build on the great work that’s already been done here.

“Our first-team set up, led by Chris Hughton, will continue to operate as it currently does, reporting to me day to day, and to the chairman. Similarly, we’ve been delighted with the work Paul Winstanley and his team have done over the past three and a half years in terms of player recruitment.

“Paul and his player recruitment and analysis team will report to Dan, but importantly their roles and responsibilities will not change. Paul will continue to head up this area, while continuing to work very closely with Chris, Tony and myself, as he has done for several years now.

“Our head of academy John Morling, head of medical services Adam Brett, and pathway development manager David Weir, will all report into Dan in his new role.

“We’ve been seeking a technical director for some considerable time now. We met some outstanding candidates along the way, both in the UK and overseas, but we’ve ended up with our preferred choice.

“It’s testament to our existing technical staff in all areas that their highly professional and consistent approach has given us the necessary time and space to recruit the very best man for the job. We are thrilled that Dan will be joining us.”