Ashworth was appointed in 1920, becoming Liverpool's first post WWI manager.  In his first season he led the team to two victories over rivals Everton, but despite making a good start to the season, Liverpool were unable to maintain their momentum and eventually finished 4th.

The 21/22 season was a different story.  Although the club lost its opening match 3-0 to Sunderland, the team then went on an unbeaten streak that lasted till mid March.  The clubs third League Title was wrapped up with a 4-1 victory over West Brom on the final day of the season.

The following season the club was once again in good form and well on its way to defending the League title, when in February 1923 Ashworth announced that he was leaving Liverpool to rejoin his boyhood team, Oldham.  The decision seems strange as Oldham were bottom of the table at the time.  By the end of the season Oldham were relegated and Liverpool were champions again. 

Ashworth only stayed at Oldham for one year, before moving onto Manchester City, but after they too were relegated he again left, this time moving to Walsall.

David Ashworth died in 1947, aged 79.