Former Carlisle United boss Keith Curle is back in football - with one of the Blues' League Two rivals.

Curle has been appointed manager at Northampton Town after the sacking of Dean Austin.

Curle will be joined at the Sixfields Stadium by his former United No2 Colin West.

Their appointment was confirmed this afternoon after Curle had become odds-on favourite for the post with bookmakers.

The move will see Curle face a reunion with his former club when Carlisle face Northampton at Sixfields on January 12.

His new outfit are fourth bottom in League Two with just one win and seven points from 10 games.

One of those points came in a 2-2 draw at Brunton Park in August.

Curle's first game in charge will be tomorrow night at home to Bury - a club he came close to joining in the summer after his Carlisle departure.

The 54-year-old - who was in charge at United from September 2014 to May this year - has signed a deal with Northampton until the end of next season.

Speaking on the Cobblers' website, chairman Kelvin Thomas said Curle's experience at League Two level was key.

"He has managed around 400 games at this level and we think he is exactly who we need right now," Thomas said.

"He took over at Carlisle United in similar circumstances and did an excellent job, not only steering them out of trouble but developing a squad that was able to challenge for promotion in the following seasons.

"He is respected for the job he did at Carlisle United and we believe he will give us strong leadership and he won't be shy to ruffle feathers to get results.

"We were keen to move quickly and after discussions and finalising paperwork today, Keith and Colin have met the players and staff.

"They were determined to take charge of the team for the game on Tuesday night to try and have an impact rather than just have a watching brief.

"We have the talent within the squad at the club and we need someone who can help them turn in the performances required to secure results. As always, it’s going to be a tough job, but Keith and Colin are up for the challenge and want to hit the ground running.

Curle is set to meet the local media in Northampton after the Bury game.