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The young coach, who worked at the club for a short period in the past, will work as part of the development set up at the Academy of Light under the academy director Ged McNamee, leaving his post as a youth coach at the Cumbrians.
Blake has been heavily involved with the youth set up at Carlisle and in particular has been a part of their preparations for EPPP (Elite Player Performance Plan), a scheme initiated by the Premier League with the intention of creating better opportunities for young players in professional academies.
The twenty-seven year old, who has been part of the coaching staff at Brunton Park since 2005, told the News & Star:
"I wasn't looking to leave Carlisle but when Sunderland called and offered me the position I was very flattered. It's an interesting job at a good club and I decided to give it a go. It was a hard decision because, while there has been a lot of bad press around Carlisle, I do feel they are going in the right direction and trying to do things the right way. It is sad to leave but sometimes you have to take these chances."