34-year-old veteran striker Steve Livingstone has arrived on a free transfer following his release by Grimsby Town. He can play a targetman and is envisaged as a provider for United's established pairing of Richie Foran and Craig Farrell. Livingstone, whose father Joe was a member of the 1963-64 Fourth Division promotion team at Brunton Park will be relishing the chance to extend his career after injuries had taken a serious toll. He began his career back in 1986-87 at Coventry City in the old First Division. After just 5 goals in 31 games, he made the switch in 1990 to Blackburn Rovers. He was part of the Rovers side who won promotion to the Premiership in its first season but soon lost his place and was transferred to Chelsea in 1992. After a couple of seasons at Stamford Bridge he moved on again to Grimsby during 1993-94. This time the 6 foot 1 inch striker settled and he spent eight seasons at Blundell Park before his switch to Brunton Park this week. He scored 40 goals for the Mariners but also spent time playing as a centre half, which is a position he is unlikely to fill at Carlisle. Roddy Collins indicated last week that his main priority was an experienced frontman who could the ball up. Livingstone has been earmarked to fill that role. He joins Chris Billy in the new-look United squad, but Collins said last week that he wanted to sign two further players. Livingstone's move has played down talk of a move for Darlington's Barry Conlon. Carlisle return to pre-season training on Friday and as well as Livingstone and Billy will also be giving a trial to Paul Byrne, the former Celtic and Southend United midfielder. The pre-season tour of Ireland starts a fortnight later and the Cumbrians are scheduled to play five games in six days with all squad members involved as well as some YTS players. Peter Murphy and Will McDonagh both confirmed their two-year deals this week by signing on with the Cumbrians. McDonagh had agreed his new contract some weeks ago while Murphy came to an agreement recently after rejecting the chance of a move up the divisions. Picture from News & Star |
