Paul Simpson announced as new Carlisle United boss

Carlisle United have announced that Paul Simpson will return to the club to take over the managerial role until the end of the season.

Simpson, 55, became a local hero when he took over a struggling club during the 2003/04 season.

He galvanised the Blues, almost saving them from an impossible situation, but led the charge with back-to-back promotions from the Conference into League One through 2004/05 and 2005/06.

A man with a wealth of football and management experience – he won the World Cup at the helm of the England U20 squad in 2017 – he takes over with 15 games left to play of the current campaign.

Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “It doesn’t need me to say that Paul is hugely respected both in Carlisle and across the football world.

“He’s a Carlisle fan, he knows the club, and he knows what it means to the fans.

“He also knows this is a difficult task, but his knowledge, experience and passion will be a huge asset to the dressing room and the club.

“We hope everyone will get behind him and the players through what is a hugely important period.”

On the appointment process, he added: “The decision to change direction was taken on Wednesday night, and we then contacted Paul.

“He agreed that he would come to help his hometown club, and he was insistent that things were done properly in terms of the changeover, and that his appointment would be on a short-term basis at this stage.

“He now has the support of everyone at the club as we move forward from here.”