Collins for Carlisle

Roddy Collins returns to club management this morning when he takes over the reins at troubled English third division side Carlisle…

Roddy Collins returns to club management this morning when he takes over the reins at troubled English third division side Carlisle United.

The Dubliner will start work immediately at the club, which finished 22nd of 24 in the division last year, has serious financial problems and is believed to be in the middle of changing hands.

None of this appeared to bother Collins yesterday. "They're all in turmoil when I arrive and then it's my job to try and sort them out," he beamed yesterday.

Collins described the move as a "step up," from Bohemians, claiming that United, for all their difficulties, have 24 professional players to which, he says, he has been told he may add another three or four.

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"If the club didn't have its problems I wouldn't be considered but for me it's a stepping stone.

According to local media sources, Collins has been appointed head coach and asked to work alongside caretaker manager Billy Barr "on a non-contract basis". But Collins insisted yesterday he would be in sole charge of team affairs and that, after a settling in period, he would be appointing his own assistant, with Derry City's John Cunningham and former Sligo Rovers boss Jim McInally amongst the people he is considering approaching.

Alex Nesovic, meanwhile, has left Bohemians after a falling out with manager Pete Mahon. The striker is now looking for another National League club.

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone

Emmet Malone is Work Correspondent at The Irish Times