Carlisle United's big-spending League Two rivals Salford City have confirmed the return of Gary Bowyer as their manager.

The former Blackburn and Blackpool boss had been in interim charge of the Ammies for the closing weeks of the season.

And now Salford have secured the 49-year-old on a permanent basis after talks with Derby, where he had held a coaching role.

Bowyer had retuned to Pride Park after the end of the 2020/21 season but is now back in League Two after signing a two-year deal at the Peninsula Stadium.

He is the third manager at the club since last October, following Graham Alexander and Richie Wellens.

Salford, who are backed by the 'Class of 92' Manchester United legends, hope Bowyer is the man to lead them into League One.

They finished two points outside the play-offs this season in eighth place.

Bowyer, speaking on Salford's website, said: “I’m really excited, it’s all happened very, very quickly and I’m delighted that it has. 

“I have to thank Wayne Rooney and Derby County for their role that they have played in all of this, they’ve been magnificent for me. 

“Now it’s a case of getting to work very quickly - everybody was very accommodating when I was here and made a real impression on me in the short space of time so it was a very easy decision.

“We’re really excited now leading into the summer, obviously there is a lot of work to do in terms of organising pre-season games, getting to work on the squad. 

“We’ve got a real good core group here, and we’ll be looking to add the right characters and the right players to hopefully improve the squad further and give us a real opportunity going into next season.”

A number of United's other fourth-tier rivals are seeking new managers, with Morecambe's Derek Adams being strongly linked with the vacancy at Bradford City.

Walsall and Leyton Orient are among those also looking for new bosses.