Edmo out, Skelton in

Last updated : 04 June 2019 By Paddock Pundit

Carlisle United have today appointed Gavin Skelton as their new assistant manager.

The Cumbrian has stepped up from his role with the club's academy to become Steven Pressley's No2.

Skelton's appointment comes weeks after United parted company with Pressley's previous assistants Tommy Wright and Paul Murray.

They are making just one appointment rather than replacing both coaches.

Skelton has been with the Blues since 2017 as professional development phase coach, working with United's under-18s - other than a short-lived spell as Workington manager midway through last season.

He quickly returned from that post to resume his role alongside academy boss Darren Edmondson, whose departure from the club was announced today.

Skelton's promotion this afternoon means further change to United's youth department.

His position in the academy is being taken by Mark Birch, who has previously been foundation phase coach.

The academy manager position, meanwhile, will be advertised after Edmondson was informed today that his services were no longer required.

Ex-Gretna favourite and Queen of the South boss Skelton, 38, had stepped up to work with the first team at ties under Pressley last season.

The manager said Skelton was now the best fit for the assistant job out of several candidates.

Speaking on United's website, Pressley said: "We went through a process and interviewed several people who we thought fitted the profile.

"Off the back of that I thought Gav was very much an excellent fit for what I required.

“He’s experienced, having been a manager himself, so he understands the difficulties of the role and he completely gets the type of support that a manager requires, which I thought was important.

“I also think from the club’s perspective it’s good that the coaches in the football club can see a pathway. Gav has worked with the under-18s and stepped up, so they can see there’s a pathway if they develop and mature into the right type of coach.

“The big thing though, is that he is a really hard worker and he understands the role of a manager.

"He’s very passionate about the football club and he has a very good manner with people. He’s a very respectable person and he integrates well with those around him, which is also an important factor. He ticked many of the boxes, and it brings a degree of continuity.

“Gav observed the way I worked last year and I know he enjoyed working alongside me. When I asked him to help us out by going to watch games, and with different things like that, nothing was ever too much for him.

“He’s really demonstrated his desire to be the type of coach I require. I’m really pleased with the appointment.”

Director of football David Holdsworth added: “We’re delighted that Gav will be taking on this role because he’s a person we trust and like.

“The responsibilities of the role have been made clear by Steven, which is something the manager wanted to do, and Gav is more than happy to take that on.

“Both Steven and I have had good conversations with him and we know this is a challenge and a next step in his career he is really looking forward to.

“He’s a local lad who knows this club inside out and he is desperate to help us to get the success we want.

"We think Steven and Gav will bounce off each other really well and we’re looking forward to watching them put their ideas into action.”

“Looking ahead, Steven knows the format he’ll be working with and that’s why it had to be down to him as to who he wanted working alongside him,” he added. “It’s important that the manager has the structure he wants in place.

“We’re there with that now and we’re all looking forward to an exciting few months ahead, both in terms of the recruitment work we have to do and the build-up towards the new season.”

United will also now look to fill Birch's former position as foundation phase coach.