Carlisle United confirm departure of media officer Andy Hall

He has "decided to move on" from Brunton Park, the club said in a statement.

It ends a long association with the Blues going back to 2000 for Hall, who went on to become the club's programme editor and then full-time media officer.

In that time he has overseen the transformation of United's media output, including the club's website and social media activity, as well as carrying out press officer duties to liaise with the local and national media.

Hall, a former soldier whose service with the Royal Engineers saw him awarded the MBE, has been absent from recent United games and now his departure from the club has been confirmed.

Club directors today paid tribute to the lifelong Blues fan's loyalty, dedication and service.

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: “Andy has been a loyal and excellent member of staff for many years. He has given his all for the club.

"We are disappointed and sorry that Andy has chosen to move on, but we respect his decision and wish him all the best for the future.

"He made his decision a while ago and has steadfastly stuck to it. He is a private person who never sought the limelight for himself, but worked tirelessly behind the scenes.

Hall has overseen the transformation of United's media output in the digital age (Image: Richard Parkes)

"He asked to go without any big fanfare and reluctantly we agreed, but even so now, although he has left the club, it’s important we record our thanks for his contribution over many years.”

Carlisle are advertising for an "experienced" new 'head of media and marketing', with the recruitment process coming at a time the club is on the brink of takeover by the Florida-based Piatak family.

United's owners added their tributes to Hall with chairman Andrew Jenkins saying: “I would personally like to thank Andy for his professional attitude and reliability. Whenever I had to comment on any subject, especially when we lost someone, his words always were very good.”

John Nixon added: “I can recall employing Andy, it was a new career for him so we both had some trepidation.

"I need not have worried as he took to it like a duck to water. He’s done a great job over the years covering stories and incidents 24 hours a day.

"He’ll be a big miss. Thanks for everything Andy and good luck on the next part of your career.”

Steven Pattison added: “I would like to place on record the sterling work Andy has done in keeping all Carlisle fans up to date on club issues wherever possible and wish him well in his new venture, whatever that may be.”

Nigel Clibbens is among the club directors who has paid tribute to Hall (Image: Richard Parkes)

Hall, who initially ran the supporter website Three Games In Hand alongside Barbara Abbott, and contributed to the club's programme, going on to join the Blues' media side formally during John Courtenay's ownership.

He oversaw their media output during his final years of military service and went on to be appointed full-time at the club.

He was programme editor from autumn 2004 onwards with the publication winning a number of awards during his time at the helm.

Hall also led United's media operations into the digital age, via the official website in its various guises, as well as social media activity, including his Twitter profile @cufckit and the later expansion of United's output across a number of channels.

That includes YouTube, where Hall has interviewed a series of managers and players over the years on the club's behalf, as well as producing a vast range of content on other club activities.

He also had a shorter spell as the club's kitman. Hall has not yet commented publicly on his departure from Brunton Park.

For many recent years he has been assisted by Amy Nixon in the club's media department and she remains in the role. United, on recent matchdays where Hall has been absent, have also called on the help of the journalist and Blues supporter Mark Donnelly.