Last updated 12:12, Thursday, 20 November 2008

Former Carlisle United favourite Zigor Aranalde confirmed today he has applied for the Brunton Park boss job.

Zigor Aranalde

The Basque defender, who spent three years at Brunton Park, has just started studying for his coaching badges but said he would be ready for a crack at management if the board look beyond caretaker Greg Abbott for the post.

“I would like the job, there is no doubt about that, and yes I have applied,” said Aranalde, pictured above.

“I respect Greg and the players a lot and I know this is a very important time for everybody at the club, so I don’t wish to comment any more at the moment.

“We will see what the future brings.”

Aranalde, 35, now playing for Spanish fourth-tier side UD Almansa, has been encouraged by the impressive work of Roberto Martinez at Swansea, and believes he can emulate his countryman by making a successful fist of management in English football.

The left-back played under former Spain international coach Jose Antonio Camacho whilst at Sevilla, and believes he can bring the same brand of attractive football to Carlisle that Martinez has introduced in south Wales.

Aranalde is held in high regard by United fans after starring for Paul Simpson’s 2006 League Two title-winning side, and then sweeping the board at the end-of-season awards a year later after the Blues’ first campaign back in League One.

Known for his ultra-professional approach to training and diet, the Basque’s stay in Cumbria ended on a sour note after he was frozen out by former Blues boss John Ward for the last three months of last term, and returned to his homeland in the summer.

However, Aranalde recently admitted his “dream” was to return to England and manage United or his first club on these shores, Walsall.

“If I had the chance to work with either of those clubs, I wouldn’t think twice,” he said in an interview with News & Star Sport last month. “To manage Carlisle would be a dream for me. I love the club and the people there.”