Goalkeeping coach Dan Hanford has left Carlisle United, the Blues have today confirmed.

Carlisle said the decision was made "by mutual consent".

Reasons for the Welsh coach's sudden departure, though, have not been given.

Former Blues keeper Hanford, who rejoined as coach last summer, was not with the team on Saturday for the League Two game against Swindon Town.

And three days later it has been revealed that the 30-year-old has left Brunton Park.

Carlisle today issued a short statement.

It followed an enquiry from the News & Star over the coach's absence at the weekend.

The club said: "Carlisle United Football Club can confirm that keeper coach Dan Hanford has taken a step back from first-team affairs and has left the club by mutual consent.

"Hanford, 30, teamed up with the Blues in June 2021 as part of the backroom staff and coordinated set pieces, as well as the day-to-day training of the club’s stoppers.

"Everyone at the club thanks Dan for his work and efforts over the course of the past eight months and we wish him well for the future."

United would not comment on any of the reasons behind Hanford's sudden departure.

Nor have they yet confirmed their plans to fill the coaching vacancy.

Experienced first-choice keeper Mark Howard oversaw the pre-match warm-up on Saturday.

The departure comes at a crucial stage in United's season with the Blues, second bottom in League Two, facing 15 games to save their EFL status.

Carilsle have not added any further comment on the news, with manager Keith Millen set to hold his regular press conference on Thursday.

Hanford's association with the Blues started in 2014 when he joined the club as a player.

After 33 appearances in two campaigns, he had spells with Gateshead and Southport.

Having continued to live in Carlisle, Hanford then rejoined the Blues under former boss Chris Beech, after the departure of previous keeper coach Steve Collis.