Carlisle United have appointed a temporary goalkeeper coach to fill the vacancy created by Paul Gerrard’s departure.
Experienced keeper coach Simon Smith will join Paul Simpson’s backroom staff until a permanent appointment is made.
The 60-year-old has worked with Simpson before at Newcastle United where he spent nearly seven years as head coach.
Smith also spent time with the Blues at the start of the 2007/08 season, coaching on a part-time basis for a month and will fill a similar role for a month.
Simpson said: “I thought we’d agreed terms with Paul last week but he decided to move on,” Simpson told the club website.
“As of today we have Simon on a short-term basis. He’s actually told me he’s retiring and I’m not sure why he’s doing that because I’m certain he’s younger than me!
“I do have a replacement coming in who I won’t name yet. He has to work his notice, but I’m also really pleased that we’ve got that sorted as well.
“That means that the keeper coach situation is taken care of, and I’m pleased that we’ve done it so quickly.
“So, to clarify, Simon will be with us for the next month, and I know he’ll be excellent for us.
“After that, the replacement I have lined up will come in, and he’ll take over on a full-time basis.
“Like I say, I’m really pleased that we’ve managed to sort both of these lads out to help us because they’re really good people.”
