His club are in crisis near the bottom of League Two and, as of yesterday, without a manager.

But Carlisle United co-owner John Nixon has today received praise for his work with the EFL.

The Blues director has received a presentation marking the end of his 10-year role as chair of the EFL Trust.

At the trust's annual conference at St George's Park, Nixon received a framed photo and was complimented for his work by EFL chief executive Trevor Birch.

The league said Nixon had been "instrumental" to the success of the EFL's charitable arm.

It comes after Nixon recently confirmed he was stepping down from the chairman position, to be replaced by Lincoln chief executive Liam Scully.

EFL chairman Rick Parry also said Nixon's leadership of the EFL Trust has been "impressive and impactful".

Nixon retains other roles in football, including his position as League Two clubs' representative on the EFL board.

The former United MD is a director on both the operational and holdings boards at Brunton Park with the title 'director of external affairs'.

He has been one of the Blues' co-owners since 2008. He and his fellow United figureheads are yet to comment on the sacking of Chris Beech or the hunt for a successor.

Nixon and his Holdings board colleagues have also recently declined interview requests about the ownership "succession" situation at Brunton Park.