Carlisle United have confirmed that long-serving kitman Colin Nixon will leave the club after today's game.

The popular member of the Blues' backroom staff had initially been set to depart at the end of the season.

But, ahead of Carlisle's home clash with Reading, the club announced that it would be Nixon's last fixture with United.

The Blues have not yet given details of a replacement, but paid tribute to Nixon, who is the brother of director and former co-owner John Nixon, and who has been United's kitman since 2009.

United's chief executive Nigel Clibbens, in a club statement, said: “Colin has been a fixture at the club for a long time and has given fantastic service. 

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"He has been an unsung hero behind the scenes. It’s an important job to ensure the smooth operations of the football team and the hours are long. 

"Many fans will have seen Col unloading the kit in the early hours of the morning after long away trips before he is back later to get it ready for training. 

"He has been great to work with and is held in the utmost respect by everyone inside the club. He will be greatly missed by all club staff, especially that laugh!

"Best wishes to Col for the future.

United said in October that Nixon was planning to retire at the end of the season, and would remain to oversee a "transition period" before his departure,