Ashworth revealed how new head coach Graham Potter is helping to shape the club’s immediate plans in terms of player recruitment.
Speaking to the media at the club networking event in London, Ashworth explained, “Graham has a clear view of things that he likes and the things that he wants from his players.
“His record at Ostersunds and Swansea showed the way he wants to play the game, the vision he has for the game. We have got to try and develop, or bring in players that fit that strategy.
“The easy way is to just bring in players, but we just had a really good talk from Tom Vernon about developing your own talent.”
“We have got lots of young players in the academy and some good young players that were out on loan last year as well.
“Sometimes the answers are from within and not just going out and buying new players.”
Former Manchester United scout Vernon was speaking at a special Transfer Room event, currently being held at Stamford Bridge in London, and attended by clubs from across the world.
Meanwhile, Ashworth refused to be drawn on transfer speculation involving Albion, when questioned by the media.
“As far as we are concerned, it is just speculation and we wouldn’t comment on that publicly. We are only two-and-a-bit weeks into pre-season.
“We have just had a pre-season tour away in Austria; that was Graham’s first chance to meet some of the players that came back a little bit later after international duty.
“So he is a couple of weeks in, getting his feet on the ground and getting to know the players better.”