Saints academy manager Matt Crocker is moving to the Football Association as head of coach and player development.

The Welshman, who will work under the FA's new director of elite development, Dan Ashworth, will depart St Mary's later this year.

In a statement, Saints chairman Nicola Cortese said: ''Matt will leave us with the best wishes of everybody associated with the club."

Crocker, who has been with the club for the last seven years, will remain at St Mary's and assist in the recruitment process for his successor before moving on.

He is one of three new appointments to the FA's elite development team at St George's Park.

Ashworth said: "It has long been said that St. George's Park will only ever be as good as the people who will work here, making a difference to English football. That is true and these appointments underline this."