Former Carlisle United defender Darren Kelly has joined League Two strugglers Hartlepool United.

The ex-Blues man has been appointed sporting director at Victoria Park, having recently left a similar role at Newport County.

He joins the Monkey Hangers at a time they are fighting to stay in the EFL under new boss John Askey.

It is the latest change at the north east club who last week sacked former Carlisle boss Keith Curle and his assistant Colin West.

Hartlepool say Kelly's role will "bridge the gap between football department and the board".

The 43-year-old will have a key role in areas such as football staff appointments, player scouting and recruitment, contract negotiations, loan club relations, medical and sport science, academy development and facility use.

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Kelly, who played for Carlisle from 2002-4, told the Hartlepool website: “It is a pleasure and an honour to be joining Hartlepool United and to help create a future that everyone can be proud of.

"I am very grateful to our chairman and club for giving me this great opportunity. My plan and vision is to help build a strong footballing strategy for the long-term future and success of Hartlepool United football club and this is something that really excites me.”

“I am really looking forward to getting started and looking forward to working closely with John Askey and the rest of the staff at Hartlepool United Football Club.”

Kelly made 54 appearances for Carlisle after joining in a £100,000 deal from Derry City during Roddy Collins' reign.

He has managed Oldham Athletic, Halifax and Hyde United, and joined Newport in 2021 as sporting director.