Mark Hughes says Jamie Devitt’s knowledge and personality will help give a “different energy” to Carlisle United.
Hughes has promoted Devitt from his academy role to first-team coach for the rest of the season.
And United’s head coach feels the presence of the 34-year-old will benefit players and staff during the Blues’ survival fight.
Devitt, an under-18s coach at United who was involved in the September caretaker regime after Paul Simpson’s departure, was back with the senior set-up for Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Gillingham.
Asked about his decision to involve the former midfielder, Hughes said: “Obviously [previous first-team coach] Ian Watson has left the club…I’ve talked about the dynamic of the squad and the dynamic of the staff room, and I just felt we needed just to change that a little bit and have a different energy around the place.
“We've been pleased. Jamie has only been with us a couple of days but he knows the club like the back of his hand, so he's very much on board with what we're trying to do.
Devitt has stepped up from his academy coaching role (Image: Ben Holmes)
“You can see that we're trying to help the club and make sure that we have good performances and he's going to help us in his support and his understanding of the club as well.”
Devitt is a popular character at Brunton Park and with supporters, who gave the Dubliner a warm reception before Saturday’s game.
Hughes said the ex-Blues star’s personality can play a positive part in things.
“That was one of the big reasons that I made the decision to bring him up to the first team,” added Hughes.
“Initially he was still doing the under-12s so we had to stop that, unfortunately – so their loss is our gain.”
Hughes, meanwhile, says he is receiving plenty of support from United’s owns, the Piatak family, during their latest visit to Carlisle.
Owners Tom and Patty Piatak, centre, at the Gillingham game (Image: Ben Holmes)
“They're always very accessible and we thank them for that,” said Hughes.
“They're open to anything that they feel will help us and we're having great support from them.
“It would be great if we can get over the line and make sure that we're still in the league come the end of the season. That's what everybody wants.”
