Len Ashurst

Len Ashurst (born Liverpool, March 10 1939) is a former footballer, manager and football administrator in England.

As a player, Ashurst was a left-sided defender. He joined Liverpool in 1953 as an apprentice. After being released, he joined Sunderland where he spent 14 years. He made 458 appearances for the club; making him 2nd.in the all time appearances list in Sunderland's history, and one of only two outfield players to top 400 appearances. He scored four Sunderland goals during his time at the club.

After receiving a testimonial match against Newcastle United, Len was given a free-transfer to Hartlepool United where he became a player-coach. After finally retiring from playing in 1973, Ashurst managed Gillingham, Sheffield Wednesday, Newport County and Cardiff City before returning to Sunderland as manager in March 1984.

His time as Sunderland manager was not successful, despite taking them to their first ever League Cup final. Performance in the league was poor and Sunderland were relegated from the first division. Ashurst was sacked in May 1985.

After the Sunderland job, Ashurst went on to become manager of the Kuwait national football team, as well as coach of the Qatar national football team.

After returning to England, he was assistant manager of Blackpool, and then in September 1989 he returned for a second spell as manager of Cardiff City.

Since the mid 1990s, Ashurst has been heavily involved in an administrator's role at the Football Association specifically with regards to the Academy system.