Ashurst spent the first seven years of his career with Sunderland, making 140 league appearances for the Roker Park club.
In October 1979, he was signed by Stan Ternent's Blackpool for £132,400, breaking the Lancashire club's record transfer fee in the process.
Ashurst made his debut the following month, in a draw at Gillingham, replacing the veteran Peter Suddaby at centre-half.
When former Blackpool player Allan Brown rejoined the club in a managerial capacity, he sold Ashurst to Carlisle United for £40,000 in August 1981.
He went on to play for Leeds United, Doncaster Rovers and Rochdale, before moving into non-League football with Frickley Athletic with over 600 league appearances to his name.