Gavin Skelton is returning to Carlisle United as a first team coach as part of Mark Hughes’ new look backroom staff.
Former player Skelton left United in August last year with former boss Paul Simpson, his son Jake Simpson and Billy Barr.
It ended a rollercoaster spell which included a memorable Wembley play-off final victory for the Brunton Park side but then relegation from League 1 the following season.
Skelton was later appointed first team coach at Hartlepool United, who announced on Monday that he had left the National League club, who finished 11th.
It was swiftly then confirmed by Carlisle United that Skelton would be returning to assist head coach Hughes with Frankie McAvoy also coming on board as a first team coach to replace Glyn Hodges, who has left his role as assistant coach due to family commitments.
Skelton told CUTV on Tuesday he was really excited to be back.
He said: “I’m really pleased to get the opportunity. Walking back through the doors of Brunton Park felt good. I’m excited, going forward.
He said he had enjoyed his time at Hartlepool, working with some good people and learning a lot.
He added: “It was good going into a different environment, having to prove yourself again; and that’s interesting coming back here, the challenge of having to prove yourself again which is good.
“I had a really good time at Hartlepool but I’m grateful for the opportunity to come back.”
Skelton, who also played for Gretna, Kilmarnock, Hamilton and Barrow, resumes a long association with United. He was a club academy coach in 2017 before progressing to assistant manager, working under a number of managers as well as having spells as caretaker boss before departing in August, 2024.
Hughes said: “It’s an opportunity for the two new guys to come in and embrace what is ahead of us.
“I haven’t worked with either of them before which is a good thing from my point of view because more often than not, I’ve worked with guys who I’ve known for many years.
“That’s not the case now and I think that’s good for me, it gives me variety and different outlooks, so I’m looking forward to having a bit of a refresh.
“Both guys have National League experience which was a little bit of the thinking behind the appointments, but it was more so the qualities they both have.
“I met them both and I was impressed with them as people and as coaches in terms of how they came across.
“Both of them had lots of people vouching for them, saying they were good characters and very good at what they do, so I had no qualms in asking them to get involved and I’m looking forward to working with them both going forward.”
McAvoy has over 20 years of coaching experience with spells at Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton, Norwich City and Preston North End.
He joined Scottish side Hearts as they competed in the Europa Conference League and more recently has experience of the National League as assistant coach at AFC Fylde.
United’s head of football operations Marc Tierney said the club were happy to support Hughes with the additions of McAvoy and Skelton to the coaching team.
Of Skelton, he said: “He is someone who knows Carlisle well and has strong ties to the club.
“Bringing Gav in is an important step towards building a strong and effective team around the players.
“We’re confident this coaching group will provide the support and expertise needed for a successful season.”
United lost their Football League status last season when they were relegated for the second successive year, dropping from League Two into the National League.
