Former Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has landed a new role - in international football.
The ex-Blues manager has been appointed as assistant coach of the Jamaica national team.
Reports in the Caribbean have confirmed that Simpson, who left Brunton Park last August after a second spell in charge, will join head coach Steve McClaren at the helm of the Reggae Boyz.
It reunites Simpson with McClaren, with whom he previously worked at Derby County and Newcastle United.
The move comes ahead of Jamaica's clash with St Vincent and the Grenadines on Saturday in a CONCACAF Gold Cup qualifier.
Simpson's arrival has been welcomed by the general manager of the Jamaica Football Federation, Roy Simpson.
“I think it is a good appointment based on his experience and his involvement with professional football,” he said.
“The fact that he has worked at this level with senior players and also played the game himself means he brings a deep understanding of what is required.
Simpson, left, previously worked with Jamaica boss Steve McClaren at Newcastle, pictured, and Derby (Image: PA)
"His experience will be instrumental in helping us achieve our goals.”
The move sees Simpson return to the international scene, the Cumbrian having previously enjoyed a spell working with the Football Association during which he led England's Under-20s to World Cup glory in 2017.
“He is very organised and meticulous in terms of what he wants to accomplish with the players and staff,” added Roy Simpson.
“Even in the few discussions we have had so far, it is clear that he understands the demands of this level and has been exposed to high-level football. We all stand to learn from his experience.”
Simpson, 58, has waited nearly seven months to make his next move after his reign at home-city club Carlisle ended early this season.
He had been in charge from February 2022, saving the club from relegation before leading United to League Two promotion through the play-offs in 2022/23.
The following campaign Simpson's side were relegated from League One in bottom position before a poor start to this campaign in the fourth tier saw him leave the club after a 2-1 home defeat to Tranmere Rovers on August 31.
His previous stint saw Simpson in charge of the Blues from 2003 to 2006, the United boss suffering relegation to the Conference in his first season before leading United to back-to-back promotions, including the League Two title in 2006.
He has also managed Rochdale, Preston North End, Shrewsbury Town and Stockport County.
McClaren has been in charge of Jamaica since last July after leaving his coaching role at Manchester United, the experienced former England boss charged with attempting to lead the Reggae Boyz to the 2026 World Cup.
They sit second in second round qualifying Group B, with their squad including players such as Aston Villa's Leon Bailey, Brentford's Ethan Pinnock and Luton Town's Amari'i Bell.
