CARLISLE United’s League Two promotion bid took a hit this afternoon after it was announced that John Sheridan’s resignation had been accepted.

Sheridan, who guided Carlisle to a dramatic 4-0 win at the County Ground in November, took charge of United seven months ago and has guided the club to seventh in the League Two table from the season’s first 26 fixtures.

After threatening to move on following Carlisle’s win against Oldham on Boxing Day, the club reluctantly opted to accept Sheridan’s wishes today. And the search for a new manager has started.

Sheridan's move is likely to impact the race to secure League Two's fourth and final play-off spot, which Swindon Town currently sit nine points shy of.

Indifferent results for Swindon mean Richie Wellens’ side are likely to require promotion form for the remainder of the season if they are to reach the end-of-season play-offs.

Carlisle chairman Andrew Jenkins told the club’s official website: “In his short time at United, John has made a positive difference to the club.

“He has improved the style of football and assembled a squad that is able to compete with the best teams in the League Two.

"Working with the squad and management team, he has helped to establish a winning formula at the club that we will take forward and build on to ensure that John's hard work is not lost.

"The request to leave came from John.

“Over the last few days, the board and John had discussed football squad matters, and these were being resolved. I would like to thank him for his commitment, and we all wish him the best of luck for the future."

Carlisle are currently positioned in the final play-off spot after winning all five of their most recent league games.