Former Carlisle United striker Billy Paynter has been placed in charge of non-league club Runcorn Linnets.

The team who play in Workington Reds' division announced the decision on Wednesday night.

Paynter, first team coach at the NPL West club, has stepped up after the sacking of manager Dave Wild.

Runcorn cited "gross misconduct" as the reason for Wild's removal.

It sees 38-year-old Paynter - a Blues player from 2014-15 - at the helm.

A club statement said: "Following an emergency meeting of the Trust Board this evening, Runcorn Linnets have dismissed Dave Wild from the position of manager over matters of gross misconduct.

"First team coach Billy Paynter has agreed to take charge of team affairs, assisted by Jamie Rainford, with immediate effect.

"The club will be making no further comment on this matter."

Paynter was previously on Port Vale's coaching staff.

Runcorn are fifth in the table, two places behind Workington - managed by Paynter's former Blues team-mate Danny Grainger.

Former Swindon Town and Leeds United man Paynter made 21 appearances and scored twice for Carlisle in the 2014/15 season.

He was signed by Graham Kavanagh but became embroiled in a row over extra training with Kavanagh's successor Keith Curle and was often out of the first-team picture.

He briefly returned to favour to score one of the goals against Plymouth Argyle which secured EFL safety for the Blues in April 2015.

The forward left the club that summer to join Hartlepool United.