League Two side Carlisle United have confirmed it has parted ways with manager Paul Simpson.

In a statement on the clubs website the club announced: “Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that manager Paul Simpson has tonight left the club with immediate effect.”

Also departing are backroom staff Gavin Skelton, Billy Barr and Jake Simpson.

The decision was made after Carlisle lost 1-2 to Tranmere Rovers leaving the side in twentieth with one win in four games after relegation from League One last season.

In the statement the club also thanked Simpson and the other outgoing staff and confirmed that “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.”

Paul Simpson came back for a second spell in charge of the Cumbrians after first taking charge in 2003 where he was relegated to the Conference before winning promotion via the playoffs and then going up as champions of League Two.

Simpson left in 2006 going to Preston North End, Stockport County, Newcastle United and winning the Under 20s World Cup with England.

Returning to Carlisle in 2022 he saved them from relegation before winning promotion to League One via the playoffs but relegation followed back to League Two.

A further update on the search for a new manager will follow early next week as the Cumbrians prepare to welcome Nottingham Forest Under 21s on Tuesday, September 3.