Carlisle United confirm Steven Rudd as new academy manager

The former PE teacher, Workington Reds assistant manager and Blues youth coach will replace Simon Friel in the role.

United feel Rudd will be able to "invigorate" and improve their academy and described him as the top candidate in a strong recruitment process.

Rudd, 33, starts the job on a part-time basis initially, and will occupy the role full-time from August as Friel departs for Shamrock Rovers.

The appointment was confirmed after a series of interviews including a final stage of one-to-one discussions with United's owners.

Tom Piatak, the Blues' co-owner and chairman, welcomed the appointment today.

In a club statement he said: “We are thrilled to welcome Steven as our new academy Manager.

“Having previously served as a part-time coach, his dedication, brightness, and boundless energy stood out during the selection process.

“We believe his enthusiasm and expertise will invigorate our academy set-up and contribute immensely to the development of young talents within our club.”

United manager Paul Simpson, who has previously called for United's Category Three academy to be significantly improved, said he was "delighted" by Rudd's appointment.

“We are entering an exciting time for the football club and the academy has an important role to play to hopefully bring success and sustainability," added Simpson.

Rudd, right, has coached in United's academy since 2011, and was also was formerly assistant manager to Danny Grainger at Workington Reds (Image: Ben Challis)

“Steven stood out as the ideal candidate from a very strong field of applications.

"During the interview he had a clear view of where the academy can be improved and he is now tasked with bringing his vision to fruition, and he will be supported all the way.

“He showed us he has the knowledge of how to get the best out of young people, the understanding of us as a club, a strong organisational background and, more than anything, a real desire to make our academy one to be proud of. 

“This is a role that was highly sought after and we now need to support Steven in making the academy one to be proud of.”

Rudd has coached different age groups in United's academy for the last 13 years.

His involvement in football also saw a four-year spell as assistant to ex-Blues captain Danny Grainger at Workington.

He has also been a PE teacher at Nelson Thomlinson secondary school in Wigton where he played a part in the development of Jarrad Branthwaite.

Rudd said it was a "real honour" to be appointed to the academy manager post.

He added: "Being a local lad, having been through the academy myself as a player and more recently working as a part-time coach for numerous years, I know first-hand just how important the academy is not only for the club, but the county and surrounding areas.

“These are very exciting times for the football club, it is now my job to make sure the academy continues to develop, grow and have a reputation that everyone can be proud of. I am looking forward to giving everything I have to make this happen.

“Let’s all look forward and be excited about who our next home grown first team star is, or the next player to progress into the Premier League or even the England squad!”