Former Saints vice chairman Les Reed has been appointed as the Football Association's new technical director.

Reed was sacked by Saints at the beginning of November - along with Martin Hunter - in a bid to turn the club's misfortunes around.

The 66-year-old replaces Dan Ashworth in the role and the 66-year-old and admitted he was 'honoured' to be given the opportunity.

Reed said: "We [The FA] are coming off the back of the most incredible year and I have nothing but respect for the outstanding work of Dan Ashworth and all the coaches and staff at St George's Park.

"I am honoured to be appointed as the FA's technical director at such an exciting time for the game in this country."

Reed is no stranger to working with English football's governing body, having been an employee of theirs between 1986 and 1995 where he held a number of different coaching roles.

He then returned to The FA in 1998 to work under former England boss Kevin Keegan before becoming technical director in 2002 where he spent two-years in the role before being sacked.

Saints recruited the ex-Charlton manager in 2010 when they were in League One and he oversaw a number of changes during his time on the south coast.

He was the driving force behind the building of a new training ground, two promotions and the recruitment of Mauricio Pochettino and Ronald Koeman.

But his stock fell in the last two years after selling Saints' best players and replacing them on the cheap.

Since being sacked by Ralph Krueger, Saints have also parted company with Reed's ally Mark Hughes.

Hughes was another failed appointment that followed on from Claude Puel and Mauricio Pellegrino.

Reed will start his new role with The FA in February and is looking to carry on the good work started by Ashworth.

"The challenge will be to continue the progress that has been made and I hope I can bring my experience to help England teams continue on the right path," he added.

"I am passionate about coaching, about helping English players to be the best they can be and also want to work closely with the clubs and leagues we have in this country."