West Bromwich Albion role attracting interest - Dan Ashworth

Dan Ashworth and Steve Clarke

West Bromwich Albion have received a number of applications for the role of sporting and technical director, including a number from abroad.

But Dan Ashworth, who currently holds the role, insists the club will take time to make their decision.

Ashworth will leave Albion next summer to become director of elite development at the Football Association.

"We've had approaches from abroad, especially as the role is more common in Europe," said Ashworth.

"But we don't have a timeframe on a shortlist. We are very much going through the process."

Ashworth, 41, became West Brom sporting and technical director in December 2007, before taking the job permanently seven months later.

He is currently working with the club to help choose his successor, and says the search is still in its infancy.

"We've done this a couple of times before when we have been looking for a new head coach," he told the club website.

"We're still sifting through applications, talking to people and preparing a shortlist to ultimately make sure we get the right person."

West Brom - who handed Steve Clarke his first full-time managerial role in the summer - have enjoyed a strong start to the season, currently sitting sixth in the Premier League with 14 points from a possible 24.

And Ashworth admits any potential relationship between the new appointment and Clarke is key.

"I think we'll be looking for a certain personality. For example, I'm not sure that an abrasive, confrontational person would work at this football club," he said.

"Of course, it would also be foolish of us also to appoint someone that, say, Steve Clarke has history with. These are the kind of things we'll have to bear in mind."

Ashworth also confirmed the decision will made in conjunction with chief executive Mark Jenkins and legal director/secretary Richard Garlick, before chairman Jeremy Peace has the final say.