Mike Williamson has been confirmed as Carlisle United's new head coach.

The former MK Dons boss has joined the Blues as Paul Simpson's successor.

United have officially announced the 40-year-old as their new boss.

Williamson is being joined by three members of his backroom team.

Ian Watson, Chris Bell and Carl Magnay will all form his new coaching team at Brunton Park.

The News & Star had reported United's strong interest in Williamson this week, with the Blues having been in talks over a financial agreement to take the head coach from Stadium MK.

The deal has now been confirmed, with Williamson to take charge for the first time when the Blues go to Swindon Town in League Two this weekend.

The new boss is charged with delivering improvement at Brunton Park after a poor start to the season left them third bottom after five defeats from their first six league games.

It is less clear, meanwhile, on the sporting director position, Carlisle having been linked with MK Dons' Liam Sweeting but Sweeting reportedly now staying at Stadium MK after agreeing a new deal.

Williamson will face the media as United boss for the first time at a press conference at 3pm today.

The length of deal signed by the ex-Gateshead boss has not yet been specified by the Blues.

MK Dons, in a statement, said they had tried to hold on to Williamson but the head coach wanted to speak to Carlisle once the Blues met a release clause in his contract.

"MK Dons made every effort to keep Mike and his coaching staff, rejecting an initial approach before Carlisle indicated they would be willing to meet a release clause in his contract," the club said.

"At this stage, Mike was granted formal permission to speak with Carlisle and indicated he wished to pursue the opportunity.

"MK Dons would like to thank Mike, Ian, Chris and Carl for their efforts during their time at Stadium MK. Everyone at MK Dons wishes them every success in the future."

Former Hartlepool defender Carl Magnay is part of Williamson's coaching staff also moving to CarlisleFormer Hartlepool defender Carl Magnay is part of Williamson's coaching staff also moving to Carlisle (Image: Anna Gowthorpe / PA)

MK also said that Sweeting was part of the team now leading the club's search for a new head coach.

Williamson leaves MK Dons in 20th place in League Two, two places and three points above Carlisle after two wins and four defeats so far this term.

Last season, after taking charge in October, he led MK Dons from 16th to the play-offs before losing in the semi-finals to Crawley Town.

At Gateshead the head coach received plaudits for leading the north east club to the 2021/22 National League North title.

They were sixth in the National League when he departed last autumn, having earned praise for the progressive style of play on show at the International Stadium.