West Ham United assistant coach Neil McDonald has pulled out of the running to become Carlisle United's new manager.
The 48-year-old, who previously managed the Cumbrians during the 2006-07 campaign, was thought the be among the favourites to take charge at Brunton Park.
However, Carlisle managing director John Nixon has confirmed that McDonald has withdrawn his interest in the job with the League Two strugglers.
"Obviously there has been a lot of speculation about Neil McDonald, and I think it's only fair to say that he has formally withdrawn his name from the process and we respect that decision totally," Nixon told the club's official website.
"He's given it a great deal of thought over the last five to 10 days and he has spoken to us about the situation.
"He has told us that he has discussed it with his family, having thought about it long and hard, and he has decided that it isn't the right career move for him to make at this point in time."
Steve Lomas, Keith Curle and Ronnie Moore are understood to be among the other candidates who are interested in managing Carlisle.
Jack Prescott
