Paul Simpson made his name as a manager with back to back promotions with Carlisle United between 2004 and 2006.
After winning the Conference title at the first attempt they were then promoted into League One the year after. It caught the attention of Preston North End that summer as they looked to replace Billy Davies but after a promising start, it didn’t end too well.
Simpson has now returned to Brunton Park in a deal until the end of the season. A swift announcement saw them part ways with Keith Millen and see Simpson return 16 years after his first stint as manager.
Simpson was born in Carlisle and represented them as a player as well so he is no stranger to the area. They currently occupy 23rd place in League Two so his task is simply to keep them up and the situation will be re-evaluated in the summer.
After leaving Preston, spells at Shrewsbury Town, Stockport County and Northwich Victoria followed but his career defining moment will be winning the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in 2017. It was the country’s first global victory since 1966.
In that squad he managed players such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Fikayo Tomori, Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Ezri Konsa. It was a great achievement and Simpson’s value was boosted.
A recent spell at Bristol City was another back room staff role to add to previous ones at Derby County and Newcastle United.
The return to Carlisle is his first as a manager since that success with England, and this will be a big challenge for him – but there are three teams within three points of the Cumbrians.
Simpson’s time at North End saw the club reach the top of the Championship table but a lack of investment in January saw them suffer.
The next season got off to a bad start and Simpson was quickly turned on by the fans, perhaps unfairly.
Many before him and after have fallen to similar circumstances but he was responsible for some great signings like Sean St. Ledger, Liam Chilvers and Neil Mellor.
Simpson ultimately helped lay foundations for a run at the play-offs under Alan Irvine in 2008-2009, and we can only wish him the best at Carlisle.