Carlisle United have finally confirmed that David Holdsworth is involved with the club - and helping manager John Sheridan recruit players.

After weeks of speculation surrounding a role at Brunton Park for the former Gretna player and coach, the Blues released a brief statement today.

They confirmed that Holdsworth had "helped" the club in the manager appointment process earlier in the summer, and this had since been extended to transfer work alongside Sheridan.

United did not, though, say whether Holdsworth has an official position or title at the club, or give any further explanation for his involvement.

The club's statement, issued on social media, said: "It was indicated in May at the director press conference that we were getting some help with the manager recruitment process.

"David Holdsworth provided that assistance initially, and this has now extended into helping with recruitment of new playing squad members, in liaison with the new manager."

Today's short statement followed questions on the subject posed by the News & Star on Thursday.

United refused to comment beyond the statement, on areas such as whether Holdsworth has an official role, and whether he is based at Brunton Park.

The 49-year-old has been spotted at the ground and elsewhere in Carlisle by supporters recently.

The statement confirms that his involvement with the League Two club has lasted several weeks already.

Reports earlier in the summer had suggested Holdsworth was being lined up for a "general manager" position.

There has also been speculation linking Holdsworth with the continued involvement of Edinburgh Woollen Mill at United.

The firm, whose boss is Cumbria's richest man Philip Day, have provided a loan facility to the Blues since March last year.

Their involvement with the club has appeared to increase this year with the appointment of a director, John Jackson, to United's holding company board.

EWM, though, said that appointment did not change "the status or nature" of their support of the Brunton Park club.

Holdsworth's most recent managerial job in football was with non-league outfit Goole Town.

He was previously boss at Lincoln City, Mansfield and Ilkeston.

Prior to that, his playing career saw spells at Watford, Sheffield United, Birmingham, Walsall, Bolton and Scarborough, before a move to Gretna in 2003.

He remained at the Raydale Park club until 2006, where he was latterly director of youth football.

He is the twin brother of former Carlisle, Wimbledon and Bolton striker Dean Holdsworth, who was until last year co-owner at Bolton.

The News & Star has invited EWM to comment.