Veteran boss Hart joins Carlisle in advisory role

Paul Hart will work with Carlisle in an advisory role on a part-time basis

Carlisle United have brought in veteran manager Paul Hart in an advisory role to the club's board.

Hart, who has managed nine clubs and had various roles at others, took part in Carlisle's strategic review.

The 72-year-old, whose most recent job was assistant manager at Charlton Athletic under Nathan Jones which he left last August, will work on a part-time consultancy basis at Brunton Park.

"Paul has the experience and credentials at all football levels and across all aspects of the game," said chairman Tom Piatak.

"We have already had the benefit of Paul's input during the recent review, and he will be a valuable addition and asset to the board, and in turn the club going forward."

In transfer news, Will Patching has gone on loan to Northern Ireland Football League side Coleraine for the season.

Midfielder Patching, 26, joined Carlisle from Derry City in January and made 10 appearances.

The strategic review undertaken at Carlisle followed successive relegations which have led to the Blues dropping into the National League for the first time since 2005.

Changes have already been implemented since the end of the season last month with Mark Hughes staying on as manager and Marc Tierney arriving as head of football operations to replace sporting director Rob Clarkson.

In the findings of the review, owner Piatak discussed all aspects of the club.

The Florida-based American said Carlisle's performance over the past two seasons was "unacceptable" and a "full reset" was required.

He said recruitment over the past three transfer windows had "not met expectations" with Carlisle using 42 players as they finished 23rd in League Two, seven points shy of safety.

Piatak added that "personal preferences" of individuals had overridden increased resources in scouting and data in bringing in players.

There was also criticism of the team's fitness and professional standards. Reference was made to "inadequate preparation, inconsistent conditioning and a lack of consistent sharpness".

'Entire focus on getting back to EFL'

Going forward, Piatak said the club's aim is to be "the fittest, best prepared team in the National League".

He insisted he and his family remain committed "financially, operationally and emotionally" to restoring Carlisle's fortunes, and that securing promotion at the first attempt was the immediate goal.

"Our entire focus is on getting back to the EFL," he added.