Former Mansfield Town boss David Holdsworth to return to One Call Stadium after taking on Carlisle United role

Having held an unofficial role at Brunton Park over the summer the 49-year-old has now been handed a formal position.

Holdsworth is understood to have close links with Blues’ financial backers Edinburgh Woollen Mill and their billionaire boss Philip Day.

United said his remit will be to be a link between their 1921 operational board and manager John Sheridan, including helping ensure players are recruited within budgets.

Holdsworth said: “I want to help build a strong, resilient football club with its own footballing DNA that’s a credit to the city of Carlisle.

“We have made a strong start with good signings, but I’m looking forward to helping John Sheridan and his staff in adding to the strength of the side over the rest of the season.

“Now is the time to get our heads down, work hard and make the fans proud.

“It’s a dream role for me and I’m honoured to be working with John Sheridan, Darren Edmondson and the board to help to build a side that can go for, and win, promotion. That’s our goal, and I’ll do everything I possibly can to make it happen.”

Holdsworth took over the Stags in December 2008 and, despite budget cuts, made a promising start to his second full season there, left by mutual consent in November 2010 after only one win in eight games.

Overall he won 37 of his 91 games in charge of Mansfield, drawing 20 and losing 34 for a 40.66 per cent win record.