Having only assumed the role as Sheffield United’s head coach in July 2024, Ash Thompson will be hoping to guide the side up the rankings from their seventh place finish last season.

Thompson replaces interim head coach Luke Turner, who has now returned to his previous role of assistant head coach, and brings experience both as a former player and coach.

Having had a short playing career as part of Fulham’s youth academy, where he spent two years training from the age of 16, Thompson has since found his calling in a wide range of managerial roles.

First, he oversaw Guiseley AFC’s development restructure after he was appointed Technical Director of Youth Development in August 2018 and First Team assistant manager.

His first foray into the Sheffield United family came as development team manager in 2021, in which he oversaw the development of young talent including the likes of Eva Butler, Grace Foy and Liv Edwards.

From there he took up his most recent role as the Under 21s head coach, in which he guided Sheffield United’s Professional Game Academy side to the PGA Cup title last year.