His was all set to be the first six-figure signature since midfielder Andy Couzens joined from Leeds in the summer of 1997, one of Mervyn Day's last signings before his acrimonious sacking by Michael Knighton. Kelly will complete a hectic week of business for the rejuvenated Cumbrians, who have also brought in Gary Prosser, Jonathan Brain, Craig Robson and Brendan McGill. In addition, Middlesbrough's midfielder Mark Summerbell is also in talks with Roddy Collins. McGill is likely to be included in the squad to face Lincoln City tomorrow. Kelly has been linked with United for almost a year. He indicated his desire to join Carlisle last year when Collins and assistant John Cunningham first tried to lure him over the Irish Sea from his present employers Derry City. The Ulsterman indicated he wanted to come over but his club stood in the way, unable to agree a fee with United. But with the John Courtenay takeover giving the club fresh funds the Cumbrians have finally got their man. Kelly's likely arrival will put Stuart Whitehead's position in doubt. He has lost the captaincy since Collins returned and has been the subject of a bid from Darlington, who signed two ex-United men in Jon Cullen and Phil Hadland yesterday. 700 tickets allocated to United The Cumbrians have been allocated 450 seated tickets and 250 standing for the away trip to Darlington on Tuesday August 27. Seats are priced at £13 for adults and £8 concessions with standing places available at £10 and £6 respectively. They will be on sale at Brunton Park from 9am on Tuesday. Courtenay: We won't tolerate hooligans New United owner John Courtenay has vowed to boot out the hooligan element who disrupted the opening home game against Hartlepool last weekend. He told The Cumberland News: "My first priority has to be to get a team on the pitch and administration in place. But there is no place for hooliganism at this club - people need to realise that. I've grown up in Ireland with football and supported teams all my life - I've never found a reason to throw a coin or stone. These people aren't football fans. We want a family-based club and this will not be accepted." CCUIST chairman Alan Steel said the hooligans should be banned for life. "They should get away, get out of our midst. They are the rotten core. If anyone knows who these people are they should tell the police immediately. It's up to everybody to get them identified, prosecuted." Fans ran running battles along Warwick Road after the game and during the match they hurled missiles at each other underneath the East Stand. Hartlepool goalkeeper Anthony Williams appeared to be struck by a coin thrown from the Warwick Road End, from where there were reports of racist chanting. Police made a total of 10 arrests. Picture from News & Star |
