Darren Edmondson is back at Carlisle United - as the Blues' new academy manager.

The Cumbrian, himself a trainee at Brunton Park in the 1990s, will now be in charge of the club's youth department.

It means Edmondson, 44, has come full circle as he replaces Alan Moore at the helm of Carlisle's academy.

The former United terrace favourite's appointment comes just three days before Carlisle's youth players return for pre-season training.

Edmondson said today: "It feels amazing.

"When I got the call from the directors to say they were interesting in speaking to me about the role, it was a no-brainer to come back to the club I started at, that I love.

"I came through the system here. I know what it's about. I've had some experience of managing a football club but now I want to help this club continue to produce a line of Cumbrians that can play for the first team and help take the club forward."

Ex-Workington and Barrow boss Edmondson had been in temporary charge at National League North outfit Bradford Park Avenue from March, but opted against staying with the Yorkshire club in favour of a return to Carlisle.

The former defender was still on gardening leave whilst at Bradford, but today said he has resolved contractual issues to allow him to take up his new post with United.

He was in charge at Barrow from 2013-2015, leading the Bluebirds into the National League before his departure last November.

At United he will be charged with overseeing their Category Three academy under the Elite Player Performance Plan.

That will include detailed roles in recruitment and player development as the Blues try to produce home-grown stars.

It will also reunite the Coniston man with his former Blues coach David Wilkes, who remains on the United youth staff.

Edmondson, who joined United as a trainee in 1990, was part of a wave of young Cumbrians who made the grade at Brunton Park in that era.

His predecessor Moore is now at Preston, having signed a confidentiality agreement before his departure amid suggestions of a falling-out with manager Keith Curle.

The Blues boss did not offer a contract to any of the second-year youth players at United at the end of last season.