John Sheridan will be the new manager of Carlisle United. He joins United after a spell at League One Fleetwood Town, where he managed the successful turnaround of the club, on a two-year deal.
He joined Fleetwood when the club was lying 20th in the league, having lost their last 8 games. His drive, determination and grit saw him take the club to 14th in the league and deliver a win ratio of more than 45 per cent.
Known for his no-nonsense style, logic, passion for the game and hard work, 53-year-old Sheridan he has a long track record of taking clubs to new heights, having previously managed Oldham Athletic, Notts County, Newport County, and Chesterfield. Under his leadership, he led Chesterfield to promotion to League One, drawing on his extensive player knowledge and passion for new talent. The following year Chesterfield won the Football League Trophy.
Another of his career highlights was taking the reins at Plymouth Argyle, where he steered the club to their best league-table result in years, took them to the play-offs, and established them as a force to be reckoned with in League Two. Plymouth Argyle were promoted two seasons later.
Sheridan's first job will be to build a squad for the next season, which is where his extensive player knowledge, passion for fresh talent and contacts in the EFL will pay off.
Announcing the appointment, chief executive Nigel Clibbens said: "John has a record of success, and he is respected by managers, players and fans in equal measure. He is known for getting the absolute best out of players, and has a commitment to bringing young players through. I know that he will bring his characteristic determination, motivation and ambition to the club. Time and time, he has shown that he has been able to deliver results in the face of stiff competition.
"This appointment has been the result of a thorough and extensive process. We cast the net wide and took our time to make sure we were making the right decision for the club and fans; that was absolutely essential. We have said throughout that we did not want to rush the appointment. The process has been comprehensive, and we have no doubt that John Sheridan is absolutely the right man for the job."
United Chairman Andrew Jenkins said: "John knows League One and League Two football better than perhaps any other manager, and his reputation is formidable. He also has a clear passion for building the youth team, and making sure we're developing the new generation of talent we need going forwards. During the interview process, his understanding of our club and our players stood out and his football knowledge was unrivalled. He has a passion for this club and I could see the determination in his eyes. He shares our ambition and vision for the club, and will build on the excellent work of Keith Curle."
Billy Atkinson, Board member of the Carlisle United's Official Supporters Club (CUOSC) and director, said: "John has had a real impact on the teams that he has managed. He knows what the fans expect – strong results, commitment, passion and an understanding of United and our style of play. He showed to me that he understands that, and has real ambitions and vision for the club. His player knowledge is strong. He knows how to structure a team, get the best out of players and, most importantly, win."
John Sheridan said: "I'm really proud to be Carlisle's new manager. Carlisle is a club that I have watched and admired from afar. It has some of the most passionate and dedicated fans in the whole of the EFL. I admire the Club's history and heritage, and it's my job to deliver results and make the fans feel proud of what they see on the pitch week in and week out.
“I'm also determined to support new talent, and I plan to work hand in hand with Darren Edmondson to make sure that we're creating the star players of the future. It's always been important to me to get younger players fully involved, and it's what I plan to do at United.
"There are challenges for the club, yes, but I'm going to face them head-on. I'm not going to skirt around issues. My job is to take control from day one, and make sure that the club is fit to succeed. I also want to show fans that I'm committed and willing to work hard. Carlisle is an ambitious club, and I'm going to make good on those ambitions.
"I have no hesitation saying that my hopes are to get Carlisle promoted. I have ambition, vision and want to establish a strong DNA within the football club."
Before moving in management, Sheridan started his playing career at Manchester City before moving to Leeds United. He played for Nottingham Forest under manager Brian Clough before going on to play for Sheffield Wednesday, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Doncaster Rovers and Oldham Athletic. He also won 34 caps playing at international level for the Republic of Ireland under Jack Charlton, appearing at Euro 1988, and the World Cups of 1990 and 1994.