ONE of the bookies’ frontrunners for the Morton managerial job, David Hopkin, is now a favourite to become Carlisle United’s next boss.

The Tele understands the Livingston manager was at Brunton Park on Saturday to watch the Cumbrian side’s 1-1 draw against Newport County in their last game of the season with Bury and ex-Carlisle United goalkeeping coach Tony Caig.

However, Hopkin’s Livi side are still involved in the promotion play-offs this season and, after a dramatic 3-2 win against Dundee United at Tannadice in the first leg last night, are in pole position to make the play-off final.

If they see off the Tangerines in the second leg on Friday, the former Morton midfielder’s side would progress to play the team who finish 11th in the Premiership.

Ton’s chief executive Warren Hawke spoke last week to the Tele, saying they were looking to act swiftly to find a replacement for Jim Duffy, after the 59-year-old left the club by ‘mutual consent’.

But if the club were to target the Livi manager, whose contract is up with the Lions at the end of the season, they could face stiff competition from the English League Two side.

Carlisle United are on the lookout for a new manager after current boss Keith Curle confirmed his departure recently after three-and-a-half years in charge of the Blues.

Morton have invited applications for their managerial vacancy last week, and Hawke told the Tele the club had received over 70 applications for the position several days ago.

The deadline is today at 5pm, with interviews to be carried out as quickly as possible after the board have drawn up a shortlist.