Gavin Skelton has today been installed as the bookies favourite to become the new manager of Carlisle United.
The former Kilmarnock midfielder heads the betting after the Blues sacked former Hearts star Steven Pressley.
Skelton – who made over 50 appearances for Killie in a two-year stint between 2008 and 2010 – is currently assistant manager at English Sky Bet League Two side Carlisle.
The 38-year-old had a seven-month spell in charge of SPFL Championship outfit Queen of the South three years ago and spent a week as manager of non-league Workington Reds at the turn of 2019.
Pressley paid the price for a disappointing sequence of results this season which have left the Cumbrian club languishing in 19th place in the table.
It looked like he had turned a corner with a 2-1 league victory over Macclesfield Town followed by a 4-1 thumping of Dulwich Hamlet in the FA Cup – a result which earned the Blues more than £100,000 in TV revenue and competition prize money.
But last night's 3-1 defeat to Morecambe – who had ex-Ross County boss Derek Adams making his dugout debut for the Shrimpers – in the Football League Trophy proved to be the end of the road.
Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins said in a club statement: “Steven has given his all and has worked tirelessly since the day he joined us.
“We understand the challenges and have supported him throughout, but we haven’t seen the evidence of progress we expected or needed to see.
“This is not something we can allow to continue, so sadly it is time to change, move on and look forward.
“I want to say a personal thank you to Steven, he has been a pleasure to work with and this has not been an easy decision for us to make. He leaves with our very best wishes.”
Skelton was listed as favourite by BetVictor ahead of former Ross County boss and Airdrieonians legend Owen Coyle with Annan Athletic boss Peter Murphy and ex-Kilmarnock gaffer Lee Clark, now at English National League North side Blyth Spartans, also in the running.
