Carlisle United coach Gavin Skelton has left the Blues - to become Workington Reds' new manager.

The Brunton Park academy coach has agreed to return to Borough Park for a second spell in charge.

The move follows several days of talks between the two clubs.

Reds had identified Skelton as their top choice after Dave Hewson's recent resignation at the Evo-Stik Premier club.

The 37-year-old will take charge with immediate effect ahead of the west Cumbrian club's home clash with Stalybridge on New Year's Day.

His departure leaves a vacancy in United's academy set-up with Skelton having joined in May 2017 as development phase coach to work alongside academy manager Darren Edmondson.

That followed managerial stints at Queen of the South and Workington for the former Gretna favourite, with a playing spell at Annan in between.

United's director of football David Holdsworth said the Blues and Workington had "worked closely together" to make Skelton's departure as smooth as possible.

Carlisle said they had tried to persuade Skelton to stay and regarded him highly in his role with the Blues' Under-18 side.

But the Blues said they did not want to stand in his way when it was clear he wanted the chance to take the first-team manager's job at Reds.

Workington, in a statement, said a "compensation package" had been agreed to bring Skelton back to the club he managed in 2014-15.

Skelton said on Reds' website: "I’m excited by the challenge and look forward to returning to a club where I feel I have strong ties.

"Everything has happened so quickly and I cannot wait to get started."

Skelton said former joint manager Lee Andrews will remain as his assistant.