WITH THE NEWS that Brendan Rodgers seems set to become the new Liverpool manager, we decided to take a look at the record of the last Irishman to become their manager.
So here are 10 facts detailing the rise and subsequent bizarre fall of David Ashworth:
- David Ashworth was born on January 1 1868, in County Waterford.
- Ashworth managed Liverpool for three years – between 1919 and 1922.
- His reign was widely regarded as a success, having lead the club to their third First Division title.
- In December 1919, he left Stockport and took over from Liverpool caretaker boss George Patterson.
- When he took over midway through the season, Liverpool had won just two of their opening 11 games, but Ashworth proved a steadying influence, guiding the club to a fourth place finish.
- Following another fourth place finish the following season, Ashworth helped Liverpool win the title in his third season in charge, as they came a relatively comfortable six points ahead of Tottenham.
- Despite his success at Liverpool, Ashworth somewhat mysteriously decided to leave the club halfway through the 1922/23 season when they were top of the table in favour of a second spell at relegation strugglers Oldham. It remains unclear why Ashworth chose to make this bizarre move.
- Oldham were subsequently relegated at the end of the season despite Ashworth’s best efforts, while Liverpool won the title for a second successive time.
- Ashworth managed Liverpool for 139 games in total, winning 70, drawing 40 and losing 29.
- He also managed Man City and Walsall with considerably less successful results during his career, in addition to being an Irish football referee.
