Carlisle United have confirmed that Greg Short will be the club’s strength and conditioning coach after the recent departure of David Waldie.

Short, 23, has been working with Chris Beech’s squad in the interim after stepping up from his work in the club’s academy.

Beech says he has been impressed with Short’s work in that time and he and the club are happy to make it a longer-term arrangement.

United had advertised the position but will give the opportunity to Carlisle-based Short, who has been discussing terms with director of football David Holdsworth.

Head coach Beech said today: “Greg has been helping us from the youth system and we’re happy to commit to it – he’s done a very good job and the players have really responded to him.

“He’s had conversations with David, everybody’s happy with the situation. I certainly supported that action and I’m happy he’s committed.”

The fact Short, a former Northumbria University student, is already based in Carlisle is a big advantage, Beech said.

It follows last month’s departure of Lincoln-based Waldie to Mansfield Town.

“He [Short] is local, which is good from my perspective – you need staff available,” Beech said.

“I use this analogy – while we gain today’s three points we have to look after tomorrow’s. In that, you have things like the development of Taylor Charters’ footwork or speed, Lewi Bell’s strength… they’re key elements.

“While they might not play today, they will be needed tomorrow, so it’s great Greg’s local – there’s more contact time.”

Short’s older brother Tom is first-team strength and conditioning coach with Premier League cub Burnley.

“He’s been there a long time, and the sports science head there, Mark Howard, was an apprentice with me at Blackpool and is one of the best in the business,” Beech added.

“Greg’s got an inside link to the upper echelons of football.”