Carlisle City’s former manager James Tose admits he is proud of the work he did at the club.

The Sky Blues announced the departure of Tose, alongside assistant Jonny Allan, “by mutual agreement” on Tuesday after nearly three seasons with the Hallmark Security League First Division North outfit.

It came with City sixth and due to host Ellesmere Rangers in their re-arranged First Division Cup quarter-final tie tomorrow.

Tose is pleased with how Carlisle City have progressed, having finished 14th in the 2016/17 campaign and 11th last term.

He said: “We are over the moon at how it’s gone over the three years with how the team has progressed. We have tried to make it as professional as we possibly can.

"The hardest thing has been competing with the likes of Penrith and Gretna 2008 for players because we have to convince people to play for us. We got a couple of big names in which helped to establish the club. 

“Then, we have tried to get some younger lads in. This season, we managed to get the age of the first-team down by signing the likes of Rob McCartney and Josh Simpson – players of good quality who also are of a good age.” 

Tose added: “I would like to thank every player who pulled on the City shirt, as well as my management team.

"I would also like to thank the reserve lads and the reserve team management.”

On the reasons behind Tose and Allan’s exit, chairman Brian Hall said: “We are into our third season now, and James and Jonny have established ourselves at this level. But we are looking at the next step now.

"There is never a good time to make these choices, but I felt we needed a fresh approach.”

Former Penrith boss James “Jim” Nichols was announced as City’s new manager yesterday afternoon.

He will be assisted by former Annan Athletic player Alan Inglis.

Nichols said: "I’m looking forward to it. It came a bit out the blue, but we have been asked to do it, so we’ll do it.

"It’s a club going in the right direction. We know a bit about the area and the club.

“I think it needs to be placed on record how well James and Jonny have done."