Paul Simpson has left Carlisle United.

The Blues confirmed the manager's departure after today's 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers.

Also leaving Brunton Park are assistant managers Gavin Skelton and Billy Barr, and head of performance Jake Simpson, the manager's son.

United have placed the academy coaching trio of Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt in caretaker charge.

Carlisle's statement did not specify whether Simpson had been sacked or whether it was in part his own decision.

The club's statement said: "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."

(Left to right) Billy Barr, Gavin Skelton and Jake Simpson have all left United following Paul Simpson's departure(Left to right) Billy Barr, Gavin Skelton and Jake Simpson have all left United following Paul Simpson's departure (Image: Richard Parkes / Ben Holmes)

The news followed the defeat to Tranmere after which Simpson was booed by a large number of supporters.

In his media interviews after the game the manager said he would keep working to turn the team's fortunes around.

But at 8pm it was confirmed that his second Brunton Park reign was over.

Simpson leaves United in 20th position in League Two after a struggling start to the 2024/25 campaign.

They have lost three of their first four games after last season's relegation from League One.

Simpson had been in charge since February 2022, the Cumbrian initially inspiring a remarkable turnaround at the club, guiding United to League Two survival then leading the Blues to promotion in the 2022/23 season.

He retained the faith of the club's new owners, the Piataks, despite United floundering in League One, relegated in bottom position after losing 30 of their 46 games.

Simpson was then backed to overhaul the squad and made 12 summer signings, including one on transfer deadline day in loan midfielder Harrison Biggins.

But a day later the 58-year-old's time at the helm is over.

(Left to right) Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt are in caretaker charge(Left to right) Mark Birch, Steven Rudd and Jamie Devitt are in caretaker charge (Image: Barbara Abbott / Carlisle United)

The Carlisle-born boss had previously been in charge of his home-city club from 2003 to 2006 early in his managerial career.

United's next game comes on Tuesday night when they face Nottingham Forest's Under-21s in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy at Brunton Park.

That will see the team led by a three-man interim team incorporating academy manager Rudd, under-18s manager Birch and under-18s coach Devitt.

The Piataks will now begin the search for their first managerial appointment since taking control of the club last November.