Manager Simpson leaves Carlisle United

Paul Simpson was unable to keep Carlisle in League One last season, a year after winning promotion

Manager Paul Simpson has left Carlisle United following their 2-1 home defeat by Tranmere Rovers.

The Carlisle-born Simpson, 58, ended his playing career with the Cumbrian club and returned for a second spell as manager in 2022, leading them to promotion.

However, they were relegated to League Two last season and Saturday's loss was their third from four league matches this term.

Assistant managers Gavin Skelton and Billy Barr have also departed, as has Simpson's son Jake, who was the club's head of performance.

Academy coaches Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt have been placed in caretaker charge.

Carlisle lost nine of their final 10 home games last season and drew the other.

And Simpson's exit was announced three hours after their latest reverse at Brunton Park.

"Everyone at the club would like to thank Paul and his staff for their efforts," Carlisle said in a statement.

The Piatak family, from Jacksonville in Florida, completed a takeover of Carlisle last year and Simpson spoke before the start of the season about "positive things going on" at the club.

But results have continued to be poor and he leaves with the team 20th in the table.

Prior to his time as a player at United, Simpson’s career included spells at Manchester City, Derby County and Wolves.

As well as his two stints in charge at Carlisle, he has managed Preston, Stockport, Shrewsbury, Rochdale and England’s under-20s side, leading them to victory at the Under-20 World Cup in 2017.