Carlisle have parted company with their manager Neil McDonald, making him the first managerial casualty of the two-day old season.

McDonald, a former coach with Bolton and Crystal Palace, took over from Paul Simpson at the start of last season after he left to take over at Preston, and guided the club to eighth in their first season back in League One.

United drew their first game of the new season on Saturday 1-1 at Walsall, but a statement on the club website, revealed: "The board of Carlisle United regret to say that they have lost confidence with Neil McDonald and are terminating his contract forthwith. They thank him for his hard work at the club and wish him all the best for his future career."

McDonald admitted his shock after being dismissed, saying: "This is obviously a major surprise to me. I am absolutely amazed this has happened so early in the season but I am not prepared to say anything more at this point."