Next Carlisle Manager Odds: Ryan Lowe Favourite To Take Over

Carlisle United are on the lookout for a new manager and UK betting sites have drawn up a list of contenders.

Paul Simpson was given his marching orders after overseeing three defeats in Carlisle’s first four games of the 2024/25 campaign, leaving the club just outside the League Two relegation zone. 

It was not the start Carlisle envisaged having been relegated from League One last time out. 

"It was my decision,” said owner Tom Piatak. “I did consult with others, but it was my decision, and the reason was the results weren't there.

Next Carlisle Manager Odds

“We brought in some talented players here, and to start the season with one win and three losses, it's below our metrics. It's below where we wanted to be and it was not meeting our expectations. It's a results-driven business.”

Mark Birch has been handed the reins on an interim basis, but the club will no doubt want to make a full-time appointment as soon as possible. 

Who will be next through the door? Let’s take a look at the latest odds from the betting apps.

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Lowe Favourite For Carlisle Job

Ryan Lowe left Preston last month after just one game of the new Championship season. 

The departure was by mutual consent, with Lowe stating that he “felt that the players needed a fresh voice” after his two-and-a-half year tenure.

Lowe is the 4/1 favourite with football betting sites, but it would be a surprise if Lowe was willing to drop as low as League Two having been pushing for the Championship play-offs during his Preston tenure. 

He may also want some time out of management before getting back in.

Wild Among Leading Contenders

Pete Wild was reportedly Blackpool’s top target until the shock announcement that Steve Bruce was the new Tangerines boss.

As things stand Wild can be backed at 15/2 to end up at Brunton Park. 

He did a good job at Barrow before leaving at the end of last season, but given the Blackpool interest it would be a coup if Carlisle managed to attract him to the Cumbria.

Richardson Looking For New Role

Leam Richardson is listed at 8/1 in the betting market as Carlisle search for Simpson’s successor. 

His last job at Rotherham United did not go well: Richardson oversaw just two wins in 24 games as the club were relegated from the Championship in last place.

Still, the manager was not to blame for all of Rotherham’s shortcomings last term, and Richardson will be determined to show he still has plenty to offer. Out of work since April, he may well be ready to return.

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Barry-Murphy Currently Out Of Work

Brian Barry-Murphy is ready to step into frontline, senior management after three years at the helm of Manchester City’s elite development squad. 

He departed that job in July, stating: “I believe I have taken the role as far as possible and feel ready for a new challenge.” 

Barry-Murphy has been linked with several jobs since then, but as of now he has not taken one. The chance to lead a club that was in League One last season could appeal to the Irishman, who is an 8/1 shot for the Carlisle role.

Elliot Could Be Considered By Carlisle

Rob Elliot is another 8/1 choice for the position at Brunton Park with new betting sites. 

Unlike many of the candidates mentioned here, Elliot is currently in a job at Gateshead. The club are currently top of the National League, but an offer from League Two would be hard to turn down.

The former Newcastle United goalkeeper is settled in the north of England, which would aid any potential pursuit from Carlise. However, for one reason or another Elliot has slipped down the betting since Simpson was first fired.

McCabe Among Dark Horses For Position

At 10/1, Rhys McCabe is one of the dark horses for the Carlisle job. 

He has been the head coach of Scottish side Airdrieonians since 2022 and his team are currently seventh in the Scottish Championship. 

Appointing McCabe would represent a gamble for the Cumbrians given his lack of experience south of the border.