McDermott has spent two spells working with national youth teams and in coach education at The FA. This season he has been working alongside Peter Taylor with the England under-21 team.

Brooking, The FA's Director of Football Development, said: "This is a great opportunity for John and we would never stand in somebody's way in a situation like this.

"It will be a big loss to The FA but it is also a compliment to us that our staff are in demand in the professional game and shows the quality of their work.

"John has done an excellent job working with the national teams and in our coach education programme. We wish him every success and will stay in close contact."

McDermott first joined The FA in 1995 after working in youth development at Watford. In 1999 he returned to Watford to take up the position of Academy Director working with Graham Taylor.

He rejoined The FA in 2002 working with the England under-16, under-17, under-18 and under-19 teams before linking up with Peter Taylor to coach the under-21 team this season.