Swindon Town are the latest of Carlisle United's League Two rivals to appoint a new boss.

They have brought in former Lincoln City chief Mark Kennedy as their new head coach.

Kennedy, 48, takes the County Ground helm as the permanent successor to Michael Flynn.

The latter had departed Swindon in January since when Gavin Gunning acted as caretaker boss.

Kennedy now returns to management having been sacked by League One club Lincoln last October.

The new Robins boss has spoken of his excitement at joining Swindon, who finished 19th in League Two last season.

"I'm very much looking forward to the project that is in place here," he told the club website.

"I also think it's crucial we look forward now and plan for the future with the exciting plans here at this sleeping giant of a football club, which I'm confident we can all achieve if we're all pulling in the same direction."

Swindon's head of football Jamie Russell claimed former Millwall, Manchester City, Liverpool and Wolverhampton Wanderers winger Kennedy would bring "a new start with fresh ideas".

He added: "His approach and coaching style will provide strong leadership, motivation, and guidance to all players."

Swindon said Kennedy's backroom team would be confirmed in due course. His No2 at Lincoln was the former Carlisle defender Danny Butterfield, who is now assistant manager at National League club Eastleigh.

Flynn, meanwhile, remains the favourite to take charge at another League Two club in Cheltenham Town.

GloucestershireLive have reported that the ex-Swindon, Walsall and Newport County boss is in the frame to replace Darrell Clarke at the relegated club.