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McDonald was told this morning by owner Fred Story that he was being dismissed after just over a year in charge, with neither United or McDonald going public on the specific reasons for his sacking. But the Geordie told News and Star Sport that his dismissal had come out of the blue.
"This is a huge, major surprise. I'm absolutely amazed that it has happened so early in the season. I've got nothing further to say at the moment."
It is understood McDonald said his goodbyes to United's shellshocked players at Brunton Park this morning. Greg Abbott, McDonald's number two, has been appointed caretaker boss and took training today. He will be in charge for United's Carling Cup first round tie at Bury tomorrow night.
The Blues have insisted the former Everton and Newcastle player has been sacked for footballing reasons and not over any disciplinary matter. Story said:
"There is nothing untoward in this - we have just lost confidence in Neil in his role as manager of Carlisle United. It's not a knee-jerk reaction. We have thought very seriously about it and it's not something I'm doing lightly. I informed Neil this morning and it's fair to say he wasn't expecting it. It wasn't an easy decision.
"I like Neil as a person but I have discussed this fully with the board and we are confident we are doing this in the best interests of the football club. This is not a personal issue or a disciplinary issue. There are no skeletons in the cupboard on this."
McDonald was in good spirits after United's opening League One game at Walsall on Saturday which ended in a 1-1 draw, with no indication that his 13-month tenure at Brunton Park was about to end. Paul Simpson's successor had just splashed out a club record fee of £140,000 on Blackburn striker Joe Garner on Friday, adding to the four other signings he made over the summer in preparation for a promotion push.
United announced the news in a club statement this morning which said the United board "have lost confidence in Neil McDonald as manager, and are terminating his contract forthwith". The news will stun fans after McDonald's first season in charge ended promisingly, the club finishing eighth in League One after Simpson led them into League Two the previous season.
Abbott, who McDonald brought in as first-team coach from Leeds in July last year, will now be caretaker boss for the foreseeable future with Story saying he would not be rushing into making a permanent decision over McDonald's successor. Story added:
"I am not even thinking about a new manager at the moment. All options are open. Greg Abbott has been appointed as caretaker manager and we will take it from there."
A club statement regarding the termination of McDonald's contract can be read here :
Official Club Statement
Further Club Statement
McDonald himself is quoted on the Guardian website as saying :
"This is obviously a major surprise to me. I am absolutely amazed this has happened so early in the season but I am not prepared to say anything more at this point."