Sheffield United Women have reportedly suspended head coach Ash Thompson from his duties at the Women’s Super League 2 side.
Thompson was absent as the Blades lost 4-0 at home to Sunderland in their opening game of the campaign on Friday.
The Guardian have now reported that Thompson has been suspended by Sheffield United. However, the reasons behind his reported suspension have not been made clear.
A Sheffield United spokesperson has told The Guardian and Sheffield Star: “Sheffield United Women confirms that Luke Turner takes charge of the senior women’s team on an interim basis, with Ash Thompson currently unavailable.”
The club website’s match report for their opener against Sunderland also stated that Thompson was ‘unavailable’.
Turner, who had been assistant to Thompson, will lead the team for their second WSL 2 fixture against Newcastle on Sunday.
Exclusive: The Guardian understands the Sheffield United Women head coach Ash Thompson is currently suspended from his duties. Luke Turner has taken interim charge, as they prepare to face NUFC. Turner also oversaw #SUFCwomen's opening game. #BarclaysWSL2https://t.co/9ILTBpHsM9
— Tom Garry (@TomJGarry) September 11, 2025
Who is Sheffield United head coach Ash Thompson?
Ash Thompson took over the Sheffield United first-team in the summer of 2024, after a three-year spell in the club’s academy.
He replaced Jonathan Morgan, who was sacked in February 2024, over what the club described as his “conduct before arriving at Bramall Lane”.
This followed an investigation into Morgan’s conduct before the death of Maddy Cusack, which found no evidence of wrongdoing. The FA, though, has since launched their own probe.
During the 2024-25 season, Thompson’s Sheffield United were originally relegated to the Northern Premier Division after finishing bottom of WSL 2.
However, they ultimately kept their place in the division after Blackburn Rovers withdrew from the second tier of English football.
Burnley had pushed to take Blackburn’s place but ultimately failed in their attempts.
Thompson previously held roles at Leeds United and Guisely Vixens. His interim replacement, Luke Turner, has been with the Blades since 2020.
What’s next for Sheffield United?
Sheffield United will be guided for the time being by Luke Turner, who has had three previous stints as interim manager between 2022 and 2024.
The Blades have not yet revealed why Ash Thompson has been suspended or how long he could be away from the dugout.
He will lead the Blades against a Newcastle side who are one of the favourites for promotion to the WSL next season.
This season could see as many as three teams promoted, due to the WSL’s expansion to 14 teams for the 2026-27 season.
After the opening weekend of the WSL 2 season, Sheffield United are bottom of the league after their 4-0 loss to Sunderland.
Newcastle are fifth after a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest, while Birmingham City are top after a 5-1 triumph over Bristol City.
