The Football Association has followed the route of Clive Woodward at Saints and gone outside the game to make a significant appointment as its new head of performance services.

Dave Reddin, who was Woodward's right-hand man as England won the 2003 Rugby World Cup and also worked with him briefly at Saints and at the British Olympic Association, will begin work for the FA in February.

The 44-year-old will be based at St George's Park in Burton and oversee sport science, medical, performance analysis, psychology and physiotherapy.

Reddin will report into Dan Ashworth, the FA's director of elite development, and his staff will aim to improve the performance of all the England teams and "create new tournament strategies aimed at increasing success", said the FA.

Reddin said: "I'm delighted to be joining the FA at such an exciting time in its development. The FA is committed to change and to becoming leaders in the football world. With the opening of St George's Park there are new opportunities to enhance and improve all of the services we deliver to our athletes.

"My focus will be on raising the standards and consistency of performance services across all national teams, underpinned by the latest research and innovation. Capturing and translating this knowledge to inform the development of the next generation of coaches will also be a key role."

Ashworth added: "Dave is synonymous with success across a number of sporting disciplines.

"His role is pivotal in the delivery of vital services that support our England teams and the wider game.

"The team at St George's Park is developing and growing into its environment - but it is important we continue to bring the facilities to life through quality and credible personnel."