Past managersDavid Ashworth

Indeed, some have wondered just what he may have achieved had he not opted to leave the Reds halfway through the 1922-23 season for a return to his former club, Oldham Athletic.

Ashworth had arrived at Liverpool in December 1919, departing Stockport County to take over from caretaker manager George Patterson.

The Reds won just two of their 11 matches between September and December prior to his recruitment, but he managed to stabilise the situation and eventually led them to a fourth-placed finish.

Ashworth had the nucleus of an impressive side at his disposal. After securing another top-four position the following season, he clinched his only piece of silverware for Liverpool when they secured the First Division title in 1922.

They finished well clear of runners-up Tottenham Hotspur, who were six points adrift.

Ashworth's championship team was built around a strong defence of Elisha Scott in goal and Ephraim Longworth, Tommy Lucas and Donald MacKinlay sharing the full-back duties.

MacKinlay also played in a solid half-back line with Jock McNab, Tom Bromilow or Walter Wadsworth, while up front Harry Chambers was top scorer with 19 goals, supported by Dick Forshaw, who scored 17.

Liverpool retained the championship a year later, but surprisingly and controversially the man who had led them to their previous success was not there by the time the title was secured.

Not long after home and away victories over his former club Oldham on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, Ashworth returned to Boundary Park for his second spell as manager there.

No-one has ever satisfactorily explained why Ashworth decided to make the move, although he presumably had some emotional attachment with his first club. It remains a mystery to this day.

Oldham ended the season relegated, while Liverpool won the championship by six points.