Ex Charlton Athletic, Watford and Newcastle United man secures League Two manager job…
Former Charlton Athletic and Watford goalkeeper Rob Elliot has been tipped to make the move into League Two management with the Carlisle United job now vacant following the departure of Paul Simpson.
58-year-old Simpson saw his team relegated from League One last season and this year’s campaign has started with three defeats in the side’s opening four fixtures. A 2-1 home loss to Tranmere Rovers proved the fatal blow for Simpson last weekend, who saw his side lose nine of their final 10 home outings last term too.
A Carlisle United statement on Saturday read: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that manager Paul Simpson has tonight left the club with immediate effect.
“Gavin Skelton, Billy Barr and Jake Simpson have also departed. Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt will take temporary charge of first team affairs while the club begins the recruitment process.
“Everyone at the club would like to thank Paul and his staff for their efforts during their time at Brunton Park. A further update will be provided early next week.”
Needing an upturn in form, a number of candidates have already been touted as replacements for Simpson. The News & Star includes former Preston North End boss Ryan Lowe and ex Barrow coach Pete Wild among the potential successors.
Another name, which some are touting as favourite for the role, is a familiar one for Charlton Athletic and Watford supporters. Elliot was a product of the Addicks youth academy and went on to spend seven years with the senior team, making 109 appearances for the club.
The shot-stopper’s stay at Vicarage Road was much more brief and lasted a year and a half from January 2021, during which time he made just one competitive appearance. Elliot was at Newcastle United before that, where he won Player of the Year in 2016, and went on to finish his career at Gateshead.
Elliot is now in charge of Gateshead and won the FA Trophy with the side earlier this year. The manager has turned heads with his work since taking over from Mike Williamson – Gateshead beat Carlisle in pre-season and sit top of the National League as it stands.
Those credentials are thought to have put Elliot in the running to leap up the leagues should Carlisle United want to and be able to tempt him away from the North East.
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