Youth coach Eric Kinder is leaving Carlisle United, the Blues have confirmed.

The former academy manager is departing the club after a three-year second spell at Brunton Park.

Kinder has spent the last season as professional development coach, after a previous stint as academy boss.

United say the experienced coach's departure follows "discussions" at the club this week.

The Blues paid tribute to the former Blackburn Rovers man for his work over several years.

“Eric has been a fantastic servant to this club, and we all support him fully as he makes this decision to move on," chief executive Nigel Clibbens told the club website.

“His knowledge, experience and work ethic have helped Carlisle United to identify and nurture a lot of young talent over the years, and we thank him for his fantastic efforts.

“We all wish him well as he moves on to his next challenge.”

Kinder's first spell as youth bos at Carlisle ran from 2006-13, when he was responsible for bringing through a host of home-grown stars such as Gary Madine, Mark Gillespie, Brad Potts and Tom Aldred.

After a spell at Blackburn and an assistant manager stint at Exeter City, he returned to a coaching role at United before being appointed academy boss in 2019.

Last summer he stepped back from the role and into a coaching position under Under-18s manager Mark Birch, with Simon Friel stepping up as academy manager.

It has not yet been confirmed whether the Blues will look to appoint a successor to Kinder in his most recent position.

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