Doubts over the 25-goal striker's fitness and wage demands mean a move to Brunton Park for the 26-year-old is now virtually ruled out. He is mulling over an offer from his present club and other clubs, including Conference side Stevenage Borough are also interested. But Carlisle boss Paul Simpson has yet to make a formal offer and says McNiven is asking for too much money. "David is someone I'm still interested in but there are a couple of other strikers who are available on free transfers that I'm keeping an eye on, " said Simpson. "I have spoken to David but I haven't made him an offer as the money he is asking for is too high at the moment. He wants more than we are prepared to pay but I've asked him to keep me informed about his situation." Simpson also said scouting reports on McNiven indicated his all-round play and weight problems might not make him the ideal choice for the club. He has already secured the services of Andy Preece for another season and he also has Craig Farrell and Kevin Henderson on the books. He is trying to persuade Preston North End to release youngster Kelvin Langmead on a season's loan after the 19-year-old made a positive impression towards the end of last season as a loanee forward. Simpson is hoping that Farrell can deliver a 20-goal season after netting six times in the closing months of the last campaign. He was top scorer with 14 goals two years ago, but then had a bust-up with former boss Roddy Collins and was left out of the starting line-up for several months. He was put on the transfer list by Simpson last November but has since committed his future to the club. Fixtures out next week The fixtures for the 2004-05 Conference season are published at 10am next Thursday. The Cumbrians are hoping for an opening day home game on August 14 as they attempt to win back their Football League place at the first attempt. Already over 1,400 season tickets have been sold, a total higher than last year's and the club expect plenty more to be bought before the new season gets underway. Other Conference clubs have been struggling to get anywhere near United's pre-season sales levels. Accrington Stanley, who are switching to full-time professional status this summer, had reported fewer than 100 season tickets sold last week. The Cumbrians face two local derbies against Morecambe, who are situated just 60 miles away down the M6. It is the normal practise to schedule short trips for holiday fixtures. Other possible match-ups for Christmas, New Year and Easter include York City, Halifax Town and Scarborough. Santander friendly is a racing bet The proposed friendly with Spanish La Liga club Racing Santander could go ahead on Sunday August 1 as negotiations continue. The Spanish club are touring the UK and have a spare date in their diary. Chairman John Courtenay hopes the mouth-watering fixture will kick-start the Cumbrians bid to win promotion from the Conference and attract first-time attenders to Brunton Park. Picture from News & Star |
