Carlisle United have made a trio of back-room appointments – first team coach, goalkeeper coach and physio.
Billy Barr is to remain at Brunton Park as first-team coach for the 2024/25 season after rejoining the coaching staff in February.
The 55-year-old had played 91 League games for Carlisle from 1997 to 2000.
Manager Paul Simpson said: “I was really impressed with his work last season, as he’s very meticulous with his planning and he’s got a really good analytical eye.
“He added something extra to the group last year although results didn’t go how we wanted them to, but the things I was seeing in the coaching office off the grass were good, and Billy was a big part of that.”
Glen Johnson, 38, is the new first-team goalkeeper coach after most recently working in a similar role with the Glasgow club Queen’s Park since 2021.
He started his coaching career with CP Baltimore in the United States and has also worked overseas in India at Pune FC.
He then returned to England to work with the likes of Braintree, Boreham Wood, Gillingham and Dagenham and Redbridge.
During his time at Queen’s Park, he was a Coach Education Tutor for the Scottish FA and holds the UEFA A GK Licence and the UEFA B Outfield Licence.
Manager Simpson said: “When we advertised the role we had some really strong applicants but Glen really impressed in the interview process.
“I’m really impressed with him and his development ideas he’s got. He wants to totally buy into the football club in terms of working with the academy to hopefully bring the next James Trafford or Dean Henderson through.”
Sophie Birnie, 32, has been appointed as first team physiotherapist.
She is an experienced football physio having previously worked at the likes of Wigan, Blackburn, Manchester United and Liverpool among others.
Manager Simpson said: “The physio is a really important role and we were all disappointed when Chris [Brunskill] decided to leave although we understood the circumstances.
“Sophie has good experience working in football and was really strong in the way she came across in the interview process.
“She’s worked at a number of clubs, and she’s just left Newport to come and join us. She’s finishing the last few days of her notice period at Newport before she starts with us on Monday.
“I’ve had references from different managers and players who have worked with her, and they’ve all been really positive.”
