Paul Ashworth, from Buxton near Aylsham, began his football career as a trainee at Carrow Road. Failing to make the grade, he moved into coaching Norwich's youngsters alongside Kit Carson and Keith Webb and setting up his own PASS Soccer coaching company which provided a starting place for other coaches including Ricky Martin, David Batch and Dan Ashworth (Paul's brother)

Paul later became Youth Development Officer at Cambridge United and Peterborough. At London Road, he progressed to the position of First Team Coach before he was dismissed by Barry Fry

In January 2001, his links with then Latvian national coach Gary Johnson led to his appointment as manager of Latvian side FK Ventspils. After moving to FK Riga and marrying a Latvian wife, he was appointed Sporting Director for Russian side Rostov. When manager Gennadi Stepushkin temporarily stepped down as coach of Rostov because of illness, Ashworth became the first Englishman to manage a Russian league side when Rostov travelled a 1,800km round trip to play FC Rubin Kazan, gaining a 1-1 draw.

Paul later joined Skonto Riga. In May 2008, he was linked with the vacant manager's position at Scottish Premier League side Hearts and is said to be on the wish-list of Hearts' controversial owner Vladimir Romanov. Ashworth said “Hearts are a fantastic club and I would be extremely interested in the job. “I've now worked between Russia and Latvia for the past eight years and perhaps the fact I speak Russian might interest Mr Romanov. I have not recieved any official approach from Hearts but it's something I would certainly have to consider, although I'm enjoying my time in Riga. I have a contract at Skonto but if Hearts wanted to speak with me I'd certainly listen.” He was also interviewed for the manager's position at Kilmarnock

In late 2010 and after five years with Skonto, Paul left Riga to take up the role of Technical Director at the Kwara Academy in Ilorin City, Nigeria. Further information can be found in this interview with the Les Rosbifs website

In January 2015, Moved to Head Coach and Technical Director of Nigerian Premier League team Sunshine Stars. Based in Akure, Ondu state, and one of Nigeria's most famous club sides. Paul was again the first English Coach to work in this tough league, one of Africa's most competitive leagues. Paul left in June 2015

In September 2015, Paul returned to his first club as head coach after FK Ventspils lost 3 games in a row (and a 7 game non-winning streak) to take over as Head Coach/Manager for a second time.

On 14 January 2019, FC Astana announced the appointment of Ashworth as their new executive director. They play in the Kazakhstan Premier League, the highest level of Kazakh football. Following the dismissal of manager Michal Bílek on 26 August 2020, Ashworth was appointed acting head-coach of Astana. He left Astana on 7th October 2020.