Ashman, who played for the Cumbrians and later managed them with great success, taking them into the First Division for the one and only time in their history, will be sadly missed. His death comes so soon after the loss of two of the greatest players he managed in Allan Ross and Chris Balderstone. Ashman, born in Rotherham in 1928, first came to Carlisle as a player in the summer of 1951. He stayed for seven years, playing 207 games and scoring 98 goals. Following his retirement in 1958, Ashman took up the manager's post at Penrith FC and his progress there led him back to Brunton Park in February 1963 as manager in succession to Ivor Powell. The side he inherited were heading for relegation to the Fourth Division, something Ashman couldn't prevent, but he was quick to sign the players who would quickly re-establish the Cumbrians as a force to be reckoned with. His first major signing was that of Hughie McIlmoyle from Rotherham United. McIlmoyle made an immediate impact and the following season in Division Four his goals, alongside those of Joe Livingstone and Johnny Evans gave the Cumbrians promotion with a club record 113 goals. Ashman then guided Carlisle all the way up to Division Two in 1964-65, the title being clinched on the last day of the season in front of 18,764 at Brunton Park with a 3-0 win over Mansfield Town. In the summer Ashman signed Balderstone from Huddersfield Town to strengthen his midfield and Carlisle consolidated their position in the Second Division. Then in June 1967 First Division West Bromwich Albion came in for him. At the end of his first season in charge, he guided them to Wembley and victory in the 1968 FA Cup Final against Everton, Jeff Astle grabbing the only goal in extra-time. The Baggies reached another Cup Final two years later - and they had to defeat Carlisle United to get there. Ashman guided West Brom to a 4-2 aggregate victory in the semi-finals of the Football League Cup, denying Carlisle their first ever Wembley appearance in the process. But Manchester City won the final 2-1, stopping Ashman's bid to become one of the few managers to lift both major domestic trophies. Three years later, in the summer of 1971, he was surprisingly sacked by the Albion board and replaced with Don Howe, who was taken straight from his success as first team coach at Double winners Arsenal. Ashman moved to Greece to take over the manager's position at Olympiakos. He helped them to runners-up spot in the Greek First Division before he received a phone call in August 1972 and asked to return to Cumbria. The shock sacking of Ian McFarlane had created a vacancy and Ashman was only too ready to accept. It took him two seasons to complete the job he had started back in the 60s. United finished 3rd with 49 points in the Second Division of 1973-74, clinching promotion to the top flight for the first, and so far only time in the club's 99-year history. After 3 games and 3 wins, Ashman's United shocked the football world by topping the entire Football League. But from there, it was downhill all the way for United and for their manager. The Cumbrians were relegated in 22nd position and following a poor start to the following season, Ashman quit Carlisle for good. He went on to have spells as manager of Workington Reds and Walsall. He also acted as assistant manager at both Derby County and Hereford United. His last visit to Carlisle came in January of 1995 when he helped open the Homes of Football exhibition at Tullie House and was a guest of the club's at the home game with Preston North End. Picture from News & Star |
