Carlisle United cult hero Jamie Devitt has taken a role as an assistant manager with Northern Premier League side Workington AFC.
Devitt was part of Paul Simpson’s side who got promoted via the play-offs last season, but due to various injuries would turn out just 14 times for the Blues in all competitions during the promotion year.
As a result, his contract with the club was chosen to not be renewed, leaving the midfielder to make the switch to play for non-league side Workington in October yet still helping Carlisle in a scouting capacity.
Though he would first really make his name at Morecambe, where he would make 98 appearances, scoring 12 times as well as supplying a further 31 assists during that time, Devitt is most known for his performances for the Cumbrians.
Over two different spells with the club, Devitt would establish himself as a fan favourite due to his hard work in the middle of the park and tenacity. The Irishman would turn out 151 times for Carlisle, putting up 24 goals and 16 assists during that time.
It has this week been announced that Devitt has made the step-up to be assistant manager at Workington but will still be registered as a player as well. Devitt, alongside club captain Conor Tinnion will both be second in line to former-Carlisle legend and manager Danny Grainger.
The position opened up after former-assistant manager Terry Mitchell accepted a role with National League North side, Darlington earlier in the week.
Speaking to club media about the decision to promote Devitt and Tinnion, Grainger said:
“I’m delighted that Conor and Jamie have accepted the opportunity to step-up and I look forward to working with them.
“Both have a vast knowledge about the game and are dedicated to the club and me.
“They won’t be scared to voice an opinion which is hugely important in this position and, working alongside Billy Redden and myself, l’m sure we can deliver a positive second half to the season.”
Writer’s View
Carlisle fans will have plenty of fond memories of Devitt in a blue shirt, and he is no doubt one of the most notable to wear the shirt in the last ten years. With the club stepping-up to League One and the 33-year-old plagued with injuries, it was fairly obvious that he wouldn’t stay with the club for another season.
That being said it is great to see the Irishman both working for the club in a scouting capacity as well as now being assistant manager at Workington, who have a great relationship with Carlisle. It would not be out of question to see him back with the Cumbrians one day in a coaching capacity, something the fans would love.
