CARLISLE United have made a number of backroom staff appointments ahead of the start of the 2024/25 League Two campaign.

The club announced that it has appointed Glen Johnson as its new goalkeeping coach who will work will shot stoppers Harry Lewis, Gabe Breeze, and Jude Smith. 

Johnson started his coaching career with CP Baltimore in the United States and has also worked overseas in India at Pune FC.

He then returned to England to work with the likes of Braintree, Boreham Wood, Gillingham, Dagenham and Redbridge, and Queen's Park. 

Speaking on the club's website after Johnson's arrival, manager Paul Simpson said: "I’m really impressed with him and his development ideas he’s got.

He wants to totally buy into the football club in terms of working with the academy to hopefully bring the next James Trafford or Dean Henderson through.

“He’ll be very good for Harry, Gabe and Jude.

"They all need coaching and development, and I’m sure he’ll be a great addition to the staff."

In addition, the club has appointed Sophie Birnie as its first-team physiotherapist after former head physio Chris Brunskill departed in April.

Birnie has worked as a football physio having previously worked at the likes of Wigan, Blackburn, Manchester United, and Liverpool.

"The physio is a really important role and we were all disappointed when Chris [Brunskill] decided to leave although we understood the circumstances," Simpson said. 

"Sophie has good experience working in football and was really strong in the way she came across in the interview process

"She’s another good addition to the staff. I hope she’s not as busy as the physio was last year but I’m sure she’ll be fantastic once she gets settled in."

Finally, the Blues also announced that first-team coach Billy Barr would stay at the club for the 24/25 campaign after initially signing a deal until the end of the season in February. 

Barr has previously worked with Paul Simpson and made over 100 appearances for United between 1997 and 2000.

Simpson added: "It’s good news that Billy is staying. I was really impressed with his work last season, he’s very meticulous with his planning and he’s got a really good analytical eye."