Carlisle United's promotion rivals Swindon Town have appointed Jody Morris as their new head coach.

The 44-year-year old former Chelsea and Derby County No2 has replaced Scott Lindsey at the County Ground.

Morris has been handed a two-and-a-half year deal at Swindon, who sit sixth in the table, six points behind the Blues.

Swindon have moved for Morris after Lindsey's recent departure to Crawley Town.

The new boss, speaking on Swindon's website, said: "I’m incredibly excited to be joining Swindon Town.

“This is a great opportunity at a wonderful football club that is steeped in history, and I can’t wait to get started."

Swindon owner Clem Morfuni said of ex-Chelsea, Leeds United and Millwall player Morris: “Jody brings a wealth of knowledge to the club and really relates to our aims, objectives, visions and values.

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“With Gavin Gunning and Steve Mildenhall working as part of their team having done a fantastic job in the interim, we feel we have an extremely strong coaching setup to push us towards promotion this term.”

Technical director Sandro Di Michele described the appointment as a "statement of intent" given Morris's CV and top-level experience.

“He’s highly skilled in developing some of the very best young talent in the country, which is integral to our strategy and what we are trying to achieve," he said.

Morris, who had assisted Frank Lampard at Chelsea and Derby, will take charge of his first game at Newport County on Saturday. The Robins host Carlisle on March 11.