Former Carlisle United frontman Gavin Reilly has left managerless Queen of the South.

The striker has departed the Doonhamers and linked up with Arbroath.

Reilly's switch to the Red Lichties, on a pre-contract agreement ahead of a two-year deal, was confirmed days after the end of the campaign.

The 30-year-old's move comes at the end of a disappointing season at Queens, who finished seventh in Scotland's third tier.

And his departure to Arbroath - who will be in League One next term after their relegation from the Championship - comes at a time Queens are seeking a new boss.

The Palmerston Park side parted company with Marvin Bartley at the end of their seventh-placed campaign.

Former Carlisle United favourite Peter Murphy, the Annan Athletic boss, is understood to be a strong contender for the Queens post.

Another ex-Blues man, Danny Grainger, has also been linked with the vacancy following his departure from Workington Reds.

Murphy's stock is high after keeping Annan in League One on the final day, having led them to promotion to the third tier for the first time in their history the previous campaign.

Reilly, though, is not remaining for a new era at the Dumfries club, moving on after two years with Queens.

He scored 14 goals in 36 outings for Bartley's side last term.

Arbroath will be the 11th different club of his professional career, with Queen of the South commenting: "At this stage of his career, and with a young family, Gavin has taken the opportunity to begin an apprenticeship outside football and go part time.

"Although disappointed to be losing his services, we fully appreciate his position and would like to thank both Arbroath FC and Gavin himself for their professionalism in dealing with this."

Reilly was with United in the 2020/21 campaign having moved to Brunton Park from Bristol Rovers.

Having joined under Chris Beech, he scored just once in 21 appearances before leaving for Livingston midway through the season.

Reilly has also played for Heart of Midlothian, Dunfermline Athletic, St Mirren, Cheltenham Town, Greenock Morton and Stenhousemuir.