Workington Reds are back to square one, six days after appointing Gavin Skelton as manager, report The News & Star.
The 37-year-old, who had returned to Borough Park for a second spell in charge of the team, resigned after a creditable 1-1 draw at Stafford.
The board of directors was due to meet last night to discuss the situation as the club sits next-to-bottom of the Evo-Stik Premier Division, eight points adrift of safety.
Chairman John Mackay said: “I am devastated.
“Everyone was just shell-shocked when I told them what had happened.
“I spent most of Christmas on the phone talking to Carlisle United, Gavin and my own directors in an effort to thrash out a deal.
“I was determined for it to go through.”
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