Goalkeeping coach Simon Smith has confirmed that his spell with Carlisle United has come to an end.
The experienced coach has been working with the Blues' keepers since the start of the season on a temporary basis.
But as United prepare to welcome Dave Timmins to the club as the long-term replacement for Paul Gerrard, ex-Newcastle United man Smith has now signed off.
He confirmed his departure in a post on social media, where he said: "My time 'helping out' at Carlisle United has come to an end!
My time 'helping out' at Carlisle United has come to an end! I have had a great time and can only thank the goalkeepers for their hard work and enthusiasm. Everyone at the club made me feel so welcome and comfortable. I wish everyone at the club good luck for the coming season!!
— simon smith (@simonsmithgk) July 23, 2023
"I have had a great time and can only thank the goalkeepers for their hard work and enthusiasm.
"Everyone at the club made me feel so welcome and comfortable. I wish everyone at the club good luck for the coming season!!"
Smith had been drafted in by manager Paul Simpson after Gerrard left the club on the eve of pre-season.
United also moved quickly to secure Timmins but have had to wait for him to work his notice at Ayr United.
Smith's announcement points to Timmins arriving soon, as Carlisle continue their build-up to the new season which gets under way in less than two weeks' time.
Simpson last week confirmed that Timmins, with whom he had previously worked at Preston North End and Shrewsbury Town, would be joining.
It will be a second spell at Brunton Park for the 52-year-old, who was at United under John Ward and Greg Abbott from 2008-9.
"He’s a fantastic goalkeeper coach and he has an incredible work ethic,” said the Carlisle manager of Timmins.
“He wants to put a plan in place to try and get goalkeepers for the future of the football club, not just for now.
“I know the lads will enjoy working with him. He’s got a real hunger about him.”
Simpson said Carlisle had to wait until Ayr secured a replacement for Timmins before the coach could link up with the Blues.
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