The one answer not offered by Keith Curle, in a decent, open and almost emotional press conference, was the one that goes to the heart of this story. If it had indeed been "his decision" to leave Carlisle United - why?

The question was put four times, and after Curle had said things about it being "the right time for me personally and the club", and continuing his "career path" and "ambitions" elsewhere, he made it clear that he does not want to depart Brunton Park with any bad blood.

If the rawest truth cannot be told, so be it. "I don't want to create headlines that could be deemed as a swipe or a negative term in any way, shape or form," he said.

Curle, at this curious time - in charge for two more games, then gone - clearly wants to make this a dignified departure, as do the club. It was apparent, as he talked about the long meeting on Wednesday between himself and directors, that a new deal was never in the conversation.

Both sides were going their separate ways and neither wants to appear the injured party. "It's my decision to leave," he said. "I've had a fantastic time. I will walk out a very, very proud man."

He was also "proud", he said, of the support he had received from fans, staff, his backroom team, directors, owners and the "lot of friends" he had made in Carlisle, a city he said he "loved". For Andrew Jenkins, he had "a lot of respect, as a man and a chairman". Even the Paddock - the terraced section not given to throwing bouquets without good reason - Curle wanted to make a "special mention".

As he spoke, it was hard to peer through the lines to see exactly why it has come to this. That sense might persist over the two final games, where supporters will surely give him a kind send-off.

Completing the season, he said, was "only right and proper" given all the work already done, not just this campaign but before. Over a reign which will bow out after its 207th game against Newport next Saturday, Curle has saved United from relegation and overseen finishes of 10th and sixth. Another top-10 place, his final aim, would show his tenure in further good light, he said.

"There's been a lot of change. The team was on the back of a relegation, four points adrift, and needed somebody who was independent to what had been going on before." Describing those who appointed him as "brave", he recalled his "single-minded" approach to revamping the football side of United from 2014.

Again, he said the club's backing has never wavered, even if he did not win every "argument" with co-owner John Nixon, who Curle insisted just wants the best for the club, despite the "bad rap" he gets from some fans.

His highlight, he said, was that proud night at Anfield, when Carlisle took Liverpool to penalties in the Capital One Cup with a bravery lacking in a miserable defeat to Accrington the season before.

On that day's infamous "male genitalia" interview, he said: "It was something I think needed to be done. Elements of the previous regime, things I knew were apparent in that dressing room - [a lack of] accountability, desire, bravery, a fear factor...I saw it. When I see something that needs changing, I address it. I can handle defeat but there's a way to win and lose."

As part of his long goodbye, Curle said he was "asked" by the club to "help" with their retained list. This will see him give his "professional advice", based on his knowledge of the players. He will also convey the club's final decisions. Because of his relationship with those players, he would be "proud" to carry this out.

His trusted joint assistant managers Lee Dykes and Colin West will also be leaving. "They are part of my army. I can't do it on my own. They've got very high standards, know the standards I demand, and are very professional people," he said. "They are probably my guardian angels more than my enforcers. I value them and their support. If anyone kicks me, they limp." He would not, though, stand in their way if attractive opportunities came along before he got another job.

Dan Watson, the goalkeeping coach appointed last November, will remain at least until a new appointment is made. "If the new regime deems it that they'd like him to continue, that's a discussion they can have with Dan."

Asked if he had any other opportunities in the pipeline, he demurred. Whilst still under contract, the club would be the first to know. "I haven't got an agent, but I've got contacts in the game," he said. "The timing has to be right for myself. Just because a job becomes available doesn't mean I'm going to apply for every single one."

Only a club he believes he can improve, with ambitions aligned, will he pursue. In the meantime, one more week of the League Two season remains. Overseeing this, in his situation, is a new challenge, he admitted, but insisted the players' "focus" would not change, likewise his own "standards and demands".

He was measured, again, on the fact others have been courting his job. "In fact, I encourage people who've got serious ambitions to become the next manager to come to the next two games, and fully understand what is available on the playing side.

"The players will be told as well - potential managers will be coming to these games, show them what you're about."

He was informed that one young fan was preparing a thank-you card to give at Port Vale tomorrow. As for the other, more extreme tributes seen during his reign, he said: "I spoke to the mother yesterday of the lad who's got the tattoo. I think he's proud of it and is gonna keep it."

That harked back to the time, 18 months ago, when the cult of "Mysterious Curle" was at its most potent. Now he's on his way. "This is the best way I could have envisaged leaving the club," he said. "[In the past] I've been sacked, dismissed, relieved of duties, and that's part and parcel. There is never a nice way, but I know I'm leaving the club in a much healthier situation."

It will soon be over to another man to build, or rebuild. That person, he said, would need to be a strong character, with strong beliefs, passion, a willingness to communicate with fans, fighting spirit, an ability to make changes, and a desire to embrace the club's ethos.

On this subject, he also, at this weird time of transition, said perhaps the truest thing of all. "There's not another me."