Carlisle United dismiss manager Graham Kavanagh

Kavanagh took the job as Carlisle boss on 30 September, 2013

Carlisle United manager Graham Kavanagh has been sacked following Saturday's 5-0 loss at Cambridge United.

The 40-year-old leaves with Carlisle 22nd in the League Two table, claiming two points from five matches.

Kavanagh failed to prevent the Cumbrians from being relegated from League One last term, having succeeded Greg Abbott last September.

Club captain Paul Thirlwell and goalkeeping coach Tony Caig take temporary charge of first-team matters.

"Regretfully, it has been decided to dispense with Graham's services after a very difficult and disappointing start to the season," a club statement read.

"Saturday's result at Cambridge was a tipping point for those concerned with the running and management of Carlisle United Football Club."

"The process of finding a new team manager begins today."

Kavanagh, who was appointed as Carlisle's permanent boss on 30 September last year having been given the role in a caretaker capacity earlier that month, is the first manager to be sacked in League Two this season.

The Cumbrians, for the second season in succession, are without a win in their first five league games.