McDonald Is First Managerial Casualty

By Mark Heys
August 13 2007

Former Wanderers player and coach Neil McDonald has surprisingly been sacked as the manager of League One side Carlisle United just a singular game into the new Football League season.

McDonald had been in charge at Brunton Park since last summer but the board of directors at the Cumbrian club issued a statement this morning to say they had lost confidence in his ability.

The 41-year old took Carlisle to the verges of the Play Offs last season and they earned a creditable point away against newly promoted Walsall at the weekend.

"The board of Carlisle United Football Club regret to say that they have lost confidence in Neil McDonald and are terminating his contract forthwith"

"They thank him for his hard work at the club and wish him all the best in his future career. Greg Abbott will be appointed as caretaker manager"

Since leaving his post as First Team Coach at Bolton two years ago, McDonald has also been Assistant Manager at Crystal Palace under Iain Dowie's management.