Carlisle United would like to welcome Steve Collis to Chris Beech’s backroom staff as he takes post as the club’s keeper coach for the 2020/21 season.
Collis, 39, has a wealth of experience in the game having cut his teeth with Barnet as a young stopper.
A move to Nottingham Forest was followed by a switch to Yeovil, where he made over 50 appearances for the Glovers.
He also enjoyed time with Southend and Crewe, before eventually making his way to Rochdale where he forged a strong working relationship with United’s current manager.
Carlisle fans will have seen that he was with the Blues prior to the Covid lockdown, helping out with the daily and match day preparation of the keepers, having left his coaching position with The Dale in January.
Boss Chris Beech said: “Having Steve on board for this season is a big plus for me. I worked with him previously at Rochdale, so I know him well, and he also knows me.
“He’s very, very good at what he does, which is to develop and challenge our goalkeepers. I’d like Steve to work with some of the younger keepers as well, and to lay the pathway to the first team – we have a couple of great prospects coming through.”
“Steve brings a natural level of calmness and composure to our environment,” he added. “First team football can often be turbo-charged, seven days a week, as you deal with players, training, officials and football politics, and having someone with Steve’s character looking after our interests is invaluable.
“Together with myself, Gav (Skelton) and Dave (Waldie) I’m sure our supporters will give Steve and Ross [Goodwin] a warm welcome when they get back in to watch us at Brunton Park, which will hopefully be sooner rather than later.”