Wednesday 3 October 2018 22:55, UK
Chris Hughton believes it is "only fair and correct" that Les Ferdinand be a genuine candidate to replace Brighton-bound Dan Ashworth at the FA.
Highly-regarded technical director Ashworth will leave the FA in the spring to take up the same role at Brighton, with QPR football director Ferdinand rumoured to be in the running as his replacement with the English governing body.
Brighton manager Hughton insisted Ferdinand deserves to be in the conversation about replacing Ashworth.
Asked for comment on reports linking Ferdinand with a move to the FA, Hughton replied: "Les Ferdinand's at QPR, so yes I think it's natural; he has an England background, he has played for his country.
"So any mention of Les Ferdinand being associated with that job is only fair and correct."
The Brighton boss hailed Paul Nevin's link-up with England, that will see the Brighton head coach work with Gareth Southgate's senior Three Lions in next month's matches against the USA and Croatia, as the FA places BAME (Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic) coaches in all national squads.
"It's a really good step," said Hughton. "We want more inclusion in the game. We speak about a lack of black and ethnic coaches, particularly at the top end.
"Any initiative or push that can be a positive, I think will be a positive. It's a real strong indication of what the FA want to do. I'm really delighted with it."
