5 days ago
New role for Greg Abbott after Carlisle United departure
Greg Abbott has landed a new role in football after his departure from Carlisle United.
The former Blues manager and head of recruitment has joined League Two club Harrogate Town.
Abbott has joined the Yorkshire club's emerging talent and centre of excellence coaching team.
The Sulphurites say Abbott will work closely with director of youth football Josh Falkingham, head of emerging talent centre Ryan Smith and the rest of their newly-formed coaching team.
They will be charged with "driving the club's new player pathway strategy and develop players for the future."
The move sees Abbott reunited with his former captain at Carlisle, Paul Thirlwell, who is Harrogate's assistant manager.
It also sees the 61-year-old quickly back in the game after leaving his role as United's head of recruitment in May.
Abbott is reunited with his former Carlisle captain Paul Thirlwell, right (Image: Stuart Walker)
He had been with the Blues in that position for three years, Abbott having previously been the Cumbrians' manager from 2008 to 2013.
Abbott said the Harrogate opportunity came after a conversation with Thirlwell - adding that it was a refreshing new challenge after a "tough" latter period at Brunton Park.
Speaking to Harrogate's official channels, he said: "I know Paul really well from my time at senior level.
"He was laughing about me coaching under-13s, under-14s, saying 'you won't want to do that - you won't want to go back'," Abbott said.
"[But] it really appeals to me.
"The last couple of years have been tough. [Now it's] something a bit less stressful, a bit more enjoyable, and I enjoy seeing young players improve and develop.
"I'm looking forward to it."
Abbott, describing his return to Carlisle in his latter role, added: "It wasn't a great spell, it was hard work, but it is what it is - you have your ups and downs at football clubs.
"I'm now at an age when I just want a little bit less pain and stress, enjoy my weekends a bit more."
The former United boss also said his new role fits well with his family life as a grandfather.
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