A closer look at potential Carlisle United job contenders...

Here we take a look at potential contenders, others on the bookies’ list and some further names being discussed by fans…

RYAN LOWE

A prominent name in the early debate, Lowe is out of work having left Preston North End very early in the season. Did an inspired job at Plymouth Argyle previously and, though his two-and-a-half year reign at Deepdale ended in disappointment, his stock remains high when it comes to future vacancies and the early signs are that he could be a strong contenders.

PETER MURPHY

One day it’s possible to imagine Murphy in the United hot-seat, but is now the right time? Murphy, after seven good years at Annan Athletic, only took over at Queen of the South in the summer. A man whose standing at Brunton Park is high, and whose managerial work so far has been good. The Blues, though, may wish to see how Murphy fares for longer in full-time management first.

DANNY GRAINGER

The third of the initial bookies’ 5/1 favourites - though those odds have since drifted - Grainger is another who some may feel is destined for the Carlisle job one day. After success at Workington Reds, the former Blues captain is now assistant manager at Morecambe, who have endured a difficult start to the League Two season amid financial issues. Grainger, like Murphy, commands respect at United and did a fine job at Borough Park, but would be another leap of faith.

PETE WILD

On early evidence this would be an opinion-splitter. Wild undeniably did a good job at Barrow, leading them to the brink of the play-offs last season only for a late collapse to end their hopes. The former Halifax chief set the south Cumbrians on a more hopeful path than they’d experienced in their earlier years back in the league, but some Blues fans appear unimpressed by his persona. Yet he will surely appeal to someone when an EFL vacancy comes up.

ROB ELLIOT

The Gateshead manager certainly seems to have his admirers among Blues fans, and no wonder: his National League side passed Carlisle off the park in pre-season, and currently sit top of the table. Elliot has so far consolidated the progressive work of Mike Williamson at the north east club, and the decision for United to make would be whether Elliot could import that to Cumbria.

MARC BRIDGE-WILKINSON

Not someone on the bookies’ list initially, but a name some supporters have mentioned. The former United midfielder is currently Liverpool’s Under-18s manager and therefore part of a new generation of coaches honing their craft at an elite youth level. Bridge-Wilkinson always had a sharp football brain as a player and is a well-regarded individual generally. Ready, though, for the step up to the front line?

LEAM RICHARDSON

Another to figure in the upper section of the bookies’ odds is former Wigan and Rotherham boss Richardson. Has a promotion on his CV with the Latics and also showed his calibre as a person with the way he helped save Charlie Wyke’s life after the striker’s cardiac arrest. Could he be the man to get the best out of Wyke and Jordan Jones at Brunton Park?

MARK BIRCH / JAMIE DEVITT / STEVEN RUDD

You should never rule out the caretakers, although right now it feels a long shot to imagine United’s interim trio taking the reins for the long run. Birch, Rudd and Devitt have stepped up from the academy to oversee matters and none has experience in first-team coaching in the pro game. Should they deliver immediate positivity in results and performances, they’d deserve a hearing – and the presence of Devitt back in the first-team dressing room can only be a good thing. Fans, though, will expect the Piataks’ recruitment of a new boss to look much further and it surely will.

ALEX NEIL

Neil has tended to operate at Championship level for much of his managerial career in England, with Stoke, Sunderland, Preston and Norwich on his CV, following an inspired start at Hamilton Academical. Has promotions to his name, as well as sackings, but would be one of the more interesting names on the merry-go-round, at least – should a drop to League Two interest him at all.

NIGEL PEARSON

Well, United have gone back to the future before, so why not the man who started out in management in a particularly famous Blues season? After waving Jimmy Glass forward to do his thing, Pearson has embarked on a long and respected managerial career at a series of clubs. He would return a much more rounded and hardened figure than the rookie who led Carlisle in the Michael Knighton crisis days. But, at 61, would he be up for the challenge?

BRIAN BARRY-MURPHY

Another from the Premier League coaching circles, Barry-Murphy was until recently the highly regarded boss of Manchester City’s Under-21s, so would bring the knowledge of that club, its style and relevant contacts after a respected three-year spell there. Previously was manager of Rochdale, where he twice kept the club up in League One before suffering relegation in his final campaign.

PHIL PARKINSON

The Altrincham manager finds himself linked with a number of jobs in respect of the impressive work he has done at the National League club, Parkinson – in charge at Alty for seven years – guided them to the play-offs last season after leading them up the non-league pyramid. A left-field choice in some ways, but more interesting than the more predictable candidates?

ZIGOR ARANALDE

There’s a United vacancy again, so we are obliged to throw Zigor’s name into the mix. Well, why not? The former Blues defender has coached at high levels since the end of his playing days, including in the Premier League and La Liga. Has never taken a top job, preferring more recently to assist Javi Gracia at a range of clubs. But has been keen on the post before and would bring a different approach to Brunton Park. Could this be his time?

GARY BOWYER

If United are looking for a safe pair of hands at this sort of level, Bowyer's record would command respect, particularly from his successful time at Blackpool. A vastly experienced figure who could bring some calm after the upheaval of Simpson's removal? Not one to be discounted.

SIMON GRAYSON

Again, if United preferred to go down the experienced route then Grayson is a name they could consider. Has managed at various levels, as well as overseas, with levels of success as well as a struggle or two. A respected figure who is understood to be interested in the position.

GARETH AINSWORTH

An iconic figure at Wycombe Wanderers after delivering success and long-serving character to the Chairboys. Did not go as well at QPR but his lower-league record commands respect. Could he bring that to Cumbria (and maybe the odd gig in Foxy's?)

LEE BELL

The Crewe Alexandra boss earned plaudits for guiding the Railwaymen to the League Two play-off final last season, and is reported by Football Insider to be a contender. Yet Crewe's own start to 2024/25 has been modest - they're 17th after four games, with just one more point than United - so would his appointment set pulses racing?

What do you think of these names – and who else should United consider? Let us know in the comments...