Carlisle United have today confirmed that David Holdsworth has been appointed director of football.

Having held an unofficial role in recent weeks at Brunton Park, the 49-year-old has now been handed a formal position.

Holdsworth is understood to have close links with Blues' financial backers Edinburgh Woollen Mill and their billionaire boss Philip Day.

United said his remit will be to be a link between their 1921 operational board and manager John Sheridan, including helping ensure players are recruited "within budgets".

Holdsworth, a statement said, will also help Sheridan "execute his team strategy" whilst also overseeing the path between academy and first team for young players.

The former Watford and Birmingham player was involved with Gretna as a player and then director of youth football.

He has managed Lincoln, Mansfield, Ilkeston and latterly Goole Town.

United's statement claimed Holdsworth was "central to the creation and success of Gretna FC" under the late Brooks Mileson.

The small club enjoyed an incredible rise to Scotland's top-flight before going bust in 2008.

Holdsworth was at the Raydale Park club from 2003-6, eventually leaving amid financial cutbacks.

In a statement, Holdsworth said: "I want to help build a strong, resilient football club with its own footballing DNA that's a credit to the city of Carlisle.

“We have made a strong start with good signings, but I'm looking forward to helping John Sheridan and his staff in adding to the strength of the side over the rest of the season.

"Now is the time to get our heads down, work hard and make the fans proud.

"I have been working closely with John, and I know he wants to deliver an exciting brand of football that is uniquely United.

"I'm also focused on establishing a pipeline of talent from the academy to the senior team. Carlisle and Cumbria has some of the greatest young talent in football, and I'm focused on making sure that these players start with us, and stay with us.

"It's a dream role for me and I'm honoured to be working with John Sheridan, Darren Edmondson and the board to help to build a side that can go for, and win, promotion. That's our goal, and I'll do everything I possibly can to make it happen."

United chairman Andrew Jenkins said Holdsworth had "extensive contacts" in England and Scotland and described the move as a "hugely positive step" for the club.

Sheridan was also quoted in the statement as saying Holdsworth has recently become "an essential part of the team".

He is understood to have advised United on their managerial appointment in the summer before latterly being involved in player transfers.

Sheridan has insisted he will continue to identify signings, but Holdsworth has "key skills" that will help "give us the edge over other clubs".

Academy manager Darren Edmondson also claimed Holdsworth's appointment was a positive step. "He's passionate about player development and is focused on creating pathways from the academy to the senior team."

United's statement made no mention of Holdsworth's EWM connections, which were confirmed by fans' group CUOSC at their recent AGM.

EWM have been loaning United money since March 2017 and also recently saw their group finance director, John Jackson, appointed as a director on the club's holdings board.

Their increased involvement comes amid a period of cost-cutting at Brunton Park.

Holdsworth has so far been unavailable to speak to the media. The News & Star has requested an interview with United's new director of football, and has also invited EWM to comment.