Crewe Alexandra boss Lee Bell is a contender for the vacant managerial role at League Two rivals Carlisle United, according to Football Insider.
The Cumbrians are searching for a new manager after sacking Paul Simpson following the club’s 2-1 defeat to Tranmere Rovers at the weekend, which sees them lie 20th in League Two with just one win from four games. It’s been a difficult few months for Carlisle, having been relegated from League One following a poor season in the division, and with a poor start to this campaign, the club’s new owners have decided to pull the trigger.
Despite a disappointing recent spell, Simpson is still highly thought of by United’s fanbase, having led the club to promotion from League Two in the 2022-23 season in his second spell at the club, having also had a successful first stint at the club. The 58-year-old led his hometown club to a double promotion in his first time at the helm between 2003 and 2006, during which time he also played for the club.
Former Crewe midfielder Bell has had a strong start to his managerial career, with the 41-year-old having impressed during his spell in Cheshire thus far. After his retirement he joined the club as a youth coach, working his way up the ranks before being appointed first-team manager in December 2022. He steered the club to within one game of League One last year, losing to Crawley Town in the play-off final, which has alerted many clubs to his potential. Despite this, it’s been a mixed start to the new season, and the Railwaymen find themselves 17th, only three places above Carlisle.
Should Bell get the role, he would be tasked with turning around Carlisle’s season, which has failed to get going as they look for an automatic return to the third tier. Bell would be looking to get a tune out of the likes of Charlie Wyke, who has returned to the club for a second spell, with the striker likely key to the club’s success. While the first four games have been poor, it’s still early in the season and the club don’t seem to be panicking, which will benefit whoever comes into the role.
Writer’s View
This would be a shrewd move by Carlisle. The club are looking to rebuild after a difficult period which has culminated in sacking a club legend, so the next manager will have a job on his hands following Simpson.
Bell has shown himself to be more than competent having risen through the ranks at Crewe so would likely welcome a larger, more long-term project which may be needed at Carlisle. His record speaks for itself with results; he nearly got Crewe promoted on a tight budget and has maybe pushed them as far as he can, so a switch to Carlisle could make sense.
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