David Ashworth was one of Liverpool’s early title-winning managers. Born in Blackpool in 1867, he was a well-known Football League referee before moving into management, first becoming the initial official manager of Oldham Athletic in 1906 and later guiding Stockport County through the First World War.
In December 1919, Liverpool appointed Ashworth to succeed the late Tom Watson, who had left the club in 1915.
Results came quickly. Liverpool finished fourth in both of his first two seasons before winning the Football League First Division championship in 1921-22, six points clear of Tottenham. It was the club’s third league title and their first in 16 years.
The Reds were well on their way to retaining the championship in 1922-23 when Ashworth left. In December 1922, with Liverpool top of the table, he resigned to return to Oldham Athletic, who were fighting relegation. Liverpool held on under former player Matt McQueen to secure back-to-back titles. Ashworth was in charge for 142 matches at Anfield.
Ashworth died in 1947, aged 79.
