Sunderland midfielder Graham Kavanagh has left the club for a player/coaching role at Carlisle. The 35-year-old said, "I'm gutted that, due to my knee injury, I didn't get to play more games for the club.

Kavanagh has now penned an 18-month contract to join Carlisle on a permanent basis and will also help out with the coaching at Brunton Park.

"This is a new challenge for me, but it's one that I'm looking forward to," he told the club's official website.

"I'm looking forward to combining the playing and coaching side of things and hopefully we will continue to build on the improvements that have been made recently.

"There are some very good players here and it will be good for me to be able to help Greg in what he is trying to achieve."