Carlisle United are expected to move quickly for a new goalkeeping coach after Dan Watson left for "personal reasons" - and then linked up with Keith Curle at Northampton.

Watson’s departure after less than a year at Brunton Park was confirmed earlier today.

The Wolverhampton man said "family reasons" were behind his decision.

Hours later he was announced as part of ex-United boss Curle's backroom team at the Sixfields Stadium.

On the Blues' website Watson said: "I’ve really enjoyed my time at Brunton Park and I’ve met some fantastic people through my stay here.

"I have a huge amount of respect for John Sheridan and his staff, but I’ve had to make this decision for family reasons.

"It hasn’t been easy, but I felt it better to let the manager know my personal situation so that he can make his decisions and keep pushing the team and the club on to where we all want it to be.

"I’d like to thank him, David [Holdsworth] and the rest of the directors for being so understanding. It goes without saying that I wish everyone at the club all the very best."

United are likely to move quickly for a new coach to work with first-team keepers Adam Collin and Louis Gray.

Watson, formerly with Port Vale, had been drafted in by previous manager Curle after last November's departure of Simon Tracey to Chesterfield.

He was retained as part of Sheridan's coaching set-up when the new boss took charge in the summer.

Director of football Holdsworth said: "We thank Dan for the service he’s given to the club and we wish him all the best for the future."

Watson's departure comes as United intend to secure a deal for ex-Everton keeper Gray, who returned to the club as cover on Friday.

Gray's arrival comes as United's other senior keeper, Luke O'Reilly, is absent with stress.