Carlisle United have confirmed the appointment of Paul Gerrard as their new goalkeeping coach.

The 49-year-old former Everton, Oldham Athletic and Nottingham Forest man has joined Paul Simpson's backroom team at Brunton Park.

Gerrard, who was previously goalkeeping coach at Doncaster Rovers, replaces Dan Hanford, who left the Blues this week.

He is the first addition to the staff at United since Simpson's return as manager on Wednesday.

Gerrard will work with United's senior keepers Mark Howard and Magnus Norman plus promising teenagers Scott Simons and Gabe Breeze.

He joins at a crucial point in the Cumbrians' League Two survival battle.

Simpson, who replaced Keith Millen as manager yesterday, said of the appointment: “Paul is very experienced, both as a player and as a goalkeeper coach.

“He comes highly recommended, and I know he’ll be a positive addition at a time when that’s exactly what we need.

“I think we’ve got some good young keepers, and we have Magnus and Mark, so we’ve got to give them the expert help they need.

“Paul brings that, and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

Gerrard's playing days saw him start with Oldham, making his debut in the Premier League aged 19 in 1992.

In 1996 he joined Everton in a £1m+ deal, making 99 appearances in league and cup for the Toffees.

News and Star: Paul Gerrard pictured during his playing days for Everton (photo: PA)Paul Gerrard pictured during his playing days for Everton (photo: PA)

After a number of loan moves, further playing spells followed for Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United and Oldham again.

He moved into coaching at Oldham and after a spell with Shrewsbury, joined Doncaster in 2013.

He left the Keepmoat Stadium "by mutual agreement" last November.

Gerrard's first game on United's books will be Simpson's first match in charge at Leyton Orient this weekend.

Hanford's departure "by mutual consent" was confirmed by the Cumbrians on Tuesday.

Further reasons for his exit have not been given. Experienced first-choice No1 Howard oversaw the pre-match warm-up in Hanford's absence at last weekend's game against Swindon.