 He played 14 times for the Cumbrians that season before retiring to concentrate on his coaching duties under manager Clive Middlemass.When Middlemass was sacked in April 1991, McCaffery took over as manager, Carlisle ending the season in 20th place in the Fourth Division.The following season saw Carlisle struggle financially and finish bottom of the league, only saved from relegation to the Football Conference by the unfortunate demise of Aldershot.