Carlisle United's director of football David Holdsworth has left the Blues.

He has followed manager Keith Millen out of Brunton Park on a dramatic morning at Brunton Park.

Carlisle said Holdsworth has "stepped down" - and the role will not be replaced.

Holdsworth had come under increased criticism from supporters over the Blues' predicament near the bottom of League Two.

Both he and Millen had faced intensifying calls for their removal.

And the 53-year-old, who had held the role since 2018, has now gone, shortly after it was announced that Millen had left "by mutual consent".

Carlisle, in a statement, said Holdsworth's exit was "part of a restructure of the football department."

Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: “David has been very loyal to the club and we would like to thank him for the work he has done.

“He leaves with our best wishes as he moves on from the club.”

Former Mansfield Town and Lincoln City manager and Gretna player and coach Holdsworth had joined United at a time the club's former backers, Edinburgh Woollen Mill, were taking a closer part in the Blues' financial affairs.

He is a long-standing associate of EWM tycoon Philip Day.

Holdsworth oversaw United's contract dealings with players but always maintained the deicisions on who to sign were down to the club's managers.

He was also involved in the managerial recruitment processes, whilst also overseeing United's move to new kit suppliers Errea.