Carlisle United fans have had their say on who they want to be the club’s next manager – and two men in particular appear to be popular choices.

The News & Star asked Blues supporters to name their ideal next boss after Paul Simpson’s departure.

Supporters responded via X and Facebook with their preferences.

And leading the way by a distance were the former Preston North End, Plymouth Argyle and Bury boss Ryan Lowe, and the current Gateshead manager Rob Elliot.

Between them they were mentioned by about half of all the supporters who responded to our question.

Lowe is available after leaving Preston early this season, while Elliot has attracted plaudits after leading Gateshead to the top of the National League with some stylish passing football.

The third most popular choice by our readers was the former Wycombe Wanderers and QPR manager Gareth Ainsworth.

Others to gain several votes were the former Stoke City boss Alex Neil, ex-Blackpool manager Neil Critchley and the former Manchester City Under-21s coach and ex-Rochdale manager Brian Barry-Murphy.

Alex NeilAlex Neil (Image: PA)

Lowe, though, attracted more mentions than any other candidate.

“Lowe would be my first choice but like the sounds of Ainsworth. We need experience imo,” said Darren Beaty.

“Ryan Lowe has been successful using three at the back. I feel he'd get the most out of the squad we currently have,” added Mike Booth.

“Ryan Lowe is the obvious choice. Good record. Ambitious. Currently out of work,” said Will Tod.

On Elliot, WRaphael on X wrote: “Rob Elliot for me, the football they play is superb. Try and get Gateshead entire coaching team.”

Ainsworth has his supporters too with Peter Scholes writing: “Ainsworth for me. Built Wycombe up over a number of years to be a strong, attacking team. Proven record. Will he be interested?”

As an indication of the range of opinions out there, more than 40 different names were put forward by the Blues fans who answered our question.

Others to gain some support were the ex-Wigan Athletic and Rotherham United boss Leam Richardson and the experienced ex-Carlisle manager Nigel Pearson.

Danny Grainger, Richie Wellens, John Coleman and Pete Wild were also put forward by some – although another proportion of Blues fans urged United not to go for ex-Barrow boss Wild.

Other names mentioned by supporters included Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Tony Mowbray, Mike Williamson, Peter Murphy, Zigor Aranalde, Scott Lindsey, Kevin Nolan, Gary Bowyer, Chris Hughton, Rory Delap, Charlie Adam, Simon Grayson, Jim McNulty, Rhys McCabe, Gary Rowett, Michael Beale and Paul Tisdale.

Among the more unlikely suggestions, meanwhile, were Jurgen Klopp, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Michael Knighton, Gareth Southgate and Roddy Collins…

Who do you think should be Carlisle United's next manager? Let us know in the comments...