Dan Ashworth looks forward to seeing Albion go from strength to strength after stepping down as technical director.

Ashworth has spoken to the club’s website about his decision to resign.

He said he leaves with a heavy heart but hopes to see Albion maintain their “outstanding progress” under chairman Tony Bloom.

Ashworth’s resignation was announced on Monday.

He told brightonandhovealbion.com: “I have been lucky that the club have allowed me two days to have a handover, to speak to all the staff, to say goodbye.

“I was allowed a moment with the team yesterday and genuinely said to them that this is probably the best group of players I have had the privilege of working with in terms of culture and togetherness. They’re a joy to work with.

“That’s pretty much the same message for the staff as well, the phrase I have used quite regularly is, ‘if you don’t want to do a day’s work in your life, get a job you enjoy’ and that’s been me, that’s been me for the last three-and-a-half years at Brighton and Hove Albion Football Club.

“It’s been absolutely brilliant, I have loved every minute of it. I leave with a heavy heart, I genuinely do and I will be watching the progress of the club, hoping the club go from strength-to-strength and continue the outstanding progress the club has made with Tony as chairman.

“So a huge thank you to everyone, players, staff, supporters and the city, I have had a wonderful time.”

Ashworth said David Weir, now acting technical director, is a strong candidate to take over on a more permanent basis.

He added: “What hasn’t changed is Tony Bloom and Paul Barber were here before me and they still are, that hasn’t changed.

“Paul Winstanley, from a recruitment point of view, and John Morling, in the academy, were both here before me and are still here.

“It’s not about wholesale changes and a load of new staff coming in. Those systems and principals were in place.

“I was the first technical director at Brighton so what I hope I have done is sit as the hub in the wheel and just bring it together and I have no doubt David will do the same.”