“Great to see a manager with a massive smile on his face.” Fans react to the appointment of Steven Pressley at Carlisle United

Carlisle United have announced the appointment of Steven Pressley as their new manager.

The forty-five-year-old replaces John Sheridan at Brunton Park on an initial six-month contract with an option to extend.

The former Scotland international defender has previously managed Falkirk, Coventry, Fleetwood and Cypriot side Pafos, who relieved him of his duties in October.

Director of football David Holdsworth told the clubs official website that “the board unanimously opted for Steven” after being impressed with his leadership qualities and positive attitude in buying into the club’s values.

Commenting on the short term deal, Holdsworth explained: “We didn’t want to think about giving someone a three-year contract at this stage only to then have to rip it up and put ourselves in a financial situation further down the line.”

The reaction of supporters was generally positive on the appointment, with some fan’s welcoming the more cheerful demeanour of Pressley compared to his predecessor. Pressley remains popular in Coventry, where he worked at a time of real turmoil for the club, with many Sky Blue fans wishing him luck. Here is a selection of responses on Twitter.

https://twitter.com/blainrooney/status/1085504237772128256

Probably one of the most passionate guys around-he stuck with us when others would have walked, good luck Elvis one of footballs good guys

— Rog (@rogerthedodge2) January 16, 2019

as both a coventry and carlisle fan.. i can confirm this is an excellent appointment.. brutally honest style of management and i'm hopeful of promotion this season

— ΛMRIT (@S4NGA) January 16, 2019

great appointment!! Was fantastic at Coventry in a difficult period! All the best Elvis💙

— Jordaann94 (@Jordaann94) January 16, 2019

Welcome to Brunton Park – it’s time to get behind him and stick together! 🦊🙏🏻💙

— Nathan Ridley (@nathan_ridley_) January 16, 2019

All the best to the new gaffer.

— Benn Sanderson (@Benn_Sanderson) January 16, 2019

https://twitter.com/BryterMoon/status/1085535635094556673

6 month contract? Seems a bit short sighted.

— Graham Forbes (@GrahamForbes11) January 16, 2019

Good luck , he started off great at cov but inherited a great team that had Leon clarkeand Callum Wilson and others . Once he brought his own players in we was awful and he lost it tactically .
But good luck and hope he brings success for your club

— Rhys ⚽️⛳️ (@Rhysmorgan91) January 16, 2019

Should have stuck with Keith Curle

— Ricky Martin (@RickyMa37442038) January 16, 2019

Hopefully both parties are happy with the contract length.
If he gets us promoted and then buggers off, good luck to him, I won't complain. Feel a bit like I did with Sheridan – bit sort of "hmmm…..OK….let's wait and see………"

— All about Steve (@1StevieKilner) January 16, 2019