Carlisle United can confirm that keeper coach Simon Tracey has left Brunton Park for family reasons following a near 30-month stay with the Cumbrians.
Tracey, 49, initially joined the Blues as part-time goalkeeper coach ahead of the 2015/16 campaign and became an integral part of the coaching staff, taking the lead on set pieces ahead of each first team game.
Manager Keith Curle said: “First and foremost, I have to thank Simon for his professionalism, dedication, diligence and commitment.
“He’s been an excellent servant to this club. As a member of my first team coaching staff he’s been nothing short of superb. He has a fantastic work ethic and a good understanding of how I want to work.
“It’s unfortunate, without going into it in too much detail, that Simon needs to be part of the support mechanism for his family right now, and that has triggered his departure. The difficult situation he faces has made it extremely hard for him to remain as committed to his role here as his professional approach tells him he has to be.
“As with any player or member of staff, family well-being comes first as far as I’m concerned. If there are issues away from football to deal with, they have to be at the top of the agenda.
“Simon needs to be close to home - I’m not going to put my needs before that, and I wouldn’t expect him to either.
“He leaves with the very best wishes of everyone at the club to him and his family.”
Tracey started his playing career with Wimbledon and made his professional debut in the 2-1 Charity Shield defeat against Liverpool in 1988. He was sold to Sheffield United later that year for £75,000 and was an ever-present through their Division Two 1989/90 promotion season.
He made over 350 appearances and enjoyed loan spells with Manchester City, Norwich City, Nottingham Forest and Wimbledon during his 15-year stay in the Steel City and he retired from the playing side of the game in 2003.
His coaching career started with Rotherham United in 2004 and his most recent position ahead of his move to Cumbria was with Barnsley, where he joined the coaching staff in 2009.
We’ll have more comment and reaction from Simon Tracey and Keith Curle later today.
Meanwhile the Blues hope to appoint a keeper coach to the vacant position within the next few days.