Chris Beech has confirmed the appointment of an analyst at Carlisle United.

The Blues have brought in Carlisle-based Jacob Blain who was previously working as an academy performance analyst at Middlesbrough.

Beech has often spoken about his wish to enhance certain off-field areas at Brunton Park and believes Blain will carry out important work.

He said: “He’s given up a top youth job, he’s taken a wage drop to work in first-team football with his home-town team – you can’t ask for any more than that.

“He’s intelligent, has a good eye for analysing football data.

“We’ve been working hard, [on] Christmas Day and Christmas Eve…if he’s doing things like that, prepared to commit to his opportunity, I think it speaks a thousand words.”

The United boss said Blain had made contact following interviews given by the head coach when he spoke about his wish to add an analyst to his staff.

He also thanked the club for enabling him to bring in the extra personnel.

He said: “David Holdsworth, the director of football, supported that; it’s a big acquisition for a football club, [because] you’ve got a wage demand.

“He’s supported that and I’m happy for that, he [Blain] can look into not only our future opponents but also players I want to get real close and tight to recruiting.

“We’ve got plans to move the club forwards but we’ve got to do it in little steps.”