Richie Foran, Mark Boyd, Peter Duffield and Michael Reed have been told they will not be offered new deals, but Lee Andrews and Andy Preece have been offered contracts. Simpson hinted that of the remaining players, some would be going and others may be offered improved terms. The news that Foran is leaving Brunton Park will come as no surprise as the Irishman has been out of favour for months following a series of on-field and off-field misdemeanours. He was recalled to the starting line-up for the last two games against Mansfield and Cheltenham but only as an emergency following a string of injuries. Duffield, the man he replaced, scored three crucial goals in his short stay but Simpson has decided he is not the long-term answer. Boyd made his debut at Rochdale but failed to inspire in central midfield, an area where Carlisle have been looking to strengthen all season. Reed has never made a first-team appearance and his departure was also expected. Andrews was linked with moves to Leeds and Celtic a couple of years ago after a fine start to his career. But he became another in a long list of players who fell out of favour with ex-boss Roddy Collins and he only regained a regular starting spot this season under the guidance of Simpson. Preece signed in December after being released from his position as manager of Bury because of financial restrictions. He became an instant favourite with the fans when he scored on his debut against Torquay. He has made no secret of his desire to return to management but the Cumbrians are hoping to tempt him to stay on as a player at Brunton Park. Meanwhile the Cumbrians know they will face both Hereford and Barnet next season after both clubs were knocked out of the Conference play-off at the semi-final stage. Aldershot and Shrewsbury will contest the final. Picture from News & Star |
