Former Carlisle United coach Ian Watson is looking to the future after his Brunton Park exit.

The first-team coach's departure from the club was confirmed on Monday.

Watson has left his role less than two weeks after the appointment of Mark Hughes to replace Mike Williamson - the boss who brought Watson to Carlisle from MK Dons.

The details behind Watson's departure have not been elaborated upon by United.

But the coach suggested he was looking forward to a new challenge when he posted about his Carlisle departure on Instagram.

"Excited for what's to come," wrote Watson.

The former Gateshead man is the second member of Williamson's backroom team to leave Brunton Park in recent days.

The former Blues first-team coach's post after his departure (Image: Ian Watson Instagram)

Last week goalkeeping coach Tom Weal left the club by mutual consent and has since been appointed a first-team goalkeeping coach at Sunderland.

While Carlisle brought in Jack Cudworth as Weal's replacement, the Blues said they had no plans for any further coaching changes following Watson's departure.

Hughes brought his long-time assistant Glyn Hodges to Carlisle upon his appointment on February 6. Watson had effectively been Williamson's No2 until the latter's sacking on February 3.