Carlisle next manager: Lee Bell is a top contender – sources
Crewe Alexandra boss Lee Bell is a top contender for the vacant manager’s job at Carlisle United, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues are searching for a new manager following the departure of Paul Simpson over the weekend after a poor start to the season.
Bell, 41, is earning himself a reputation as one of the brightest young managers in the country after impressing at Crewe since taking charge of the Railwaymen in December 2022.
The former Crewe midfielder guided Alex to the League Two play-off final last season despite working with one of the lowest budgets in the whole league.
On the other hand, Carlisle are attempting to rebuild after being relegated from League One during the previous campaign.
The Cumbrian giants currently sit 20th in the league table after managing just one win and three defeats in their opening four games.
Crewe Alexandra could lose Lee Bell to Carlisle United
Carlisle’s 2-1 loss against Tranmere Rovers this past Saturday proved to be the final nail in the coffin for Simpson, as former Blues forward Omari Patrick’s brace led to his departure.
The defeat was the latest in a difficult period, with Carlisle having lost nine of their final 10 home fixtures last season.
The League Two side have already been beaten at Brunton Park twice in all competitions in this campaign, which ultimately ended Simpson’s second run in charge.
The Piatak family completed a takeover of Carlisle last year and will now be keen to move the club in a positive direction as they get to hire their first manager.
Carlisle will be back in action on Tuesday (3 September) in the Football League Trophy against Nottingham Forest Under-21s before facing Bradford City on Saturday (7 September) in the league.
Academy coaches Mark Birch, Steven Rudd, and Jamie Devitt are in caretaker charge until a replacement for Simpson can be found.
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