Graham Kavanagh appointed as first team manager
Carlisle United Football Club are delighted to confirm that Graham Kavanagh has been appointed as the club’s first team manager until 30 June 2015.
Kavanagh, 39, took over the caretaker role ahead of the Sheffield United home game at the beginning of September having worked as a player, player-coach and assistant manager to Greg Abbott since 2009.
“We spoke to Graham on Saturday afternoon, as soon as his preparations for the Notts County game had been completed, to inform him that we wanted to offer him the position as first team manager win, lose or draw on Saturday,” managing director John Nixon explained.
“I think everyone at the club has been impressed with the way Graham has applied himself and in the way he has placed his own stamp on the role under difficult circumstances.
“He knows the players and the club really well, having been with us for over four years, and we are confident that his experience at the highest levels of the game will help him with his stated aim of pushing this club forward.”
The former Republic of Ireland midfielder started his career in England with Middlesbrough before enjoying successful spells with Stoke City, Cardiff City and Wigan Athletic.
He joined the Cumbrians on an initial loan spell from Sunderland but made the move permanent in January 2009 when he returned as a player-coach having been released by the Black Cats.
Kavanagh will be assisted by Davie Irons, who will act as his assistant manager, and by Tony Caig, his first team and goalkeeper coach.
