He was an outstanding right-back in a successful Carlisle United era - and now Paul Arnison is impressing in management.

The former Blues defender has earned recognition for his work in Australia.

The ex-Brunton Park favourite has been shortlisted for National Premier Leagues manager of the year at the Football in Queensland awards.

It comes after 44-year-old Arnison led Sunshine Coast Wanderers to fifth in the table, outperforming a number of bigger clubs to give them a chance of making the finals series, involving the top four teams.

The awards are held in Brisbane next Saturday with Arnison one of four nominees for the manager award.

Arnison who helped Carlisle to successive promotions in 2005 and 2006 and made 139 appearances for the club over five seasons, moved to Australia eight years ago.

The former Hartlepool man led Sunshine Coast to promotion from the Football Queensland Premier League in 2019 before steering them to further progress in the NPL.

Arnison, whose son Harry plays for Sunshine Coast, recently said he hopes to remain with the club for longer, though an extended contract is yet to be cofirmed.