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Carver was believed to be right at the very top of the Brunton Park shortlist but it's back to square one now for Blues owner Fred Story as he has to run the rule over prospective candidates once more. Former Newcastle assistant boss Carver has been at the forefront of Blackwell's coaching staff at Leeds for the last 12 months, and his contract is due to run until the end of next season, meaning Carlisle would more than likely have been looking at settling a big compensation package if Carver had taken up the job offer.
On his decision to stay in West Yorkshire Carver told the Yorkshire Evening Post : " Leeds had the decency to allow me to talk to Carlisle and I'm delighted with the way the two clubs have acted. I had to make a decision and on this occasion it's to stay at Leeds. I enjoyed last season, although it was disappointing how it ended, and we still have a job to do. I want to be a part of that."
Carver considered the Brunton Park vacancy over the weekend but had already hinted that his future lay with Leeds, and his decision to remain in Yorkshire was confirmed after he linked up with Blackwell to discuss United's pre-season plans. Blackwell himself commented on the decision of his head coach, saying : " I'm always willing to give an opportunity to my staff to speak to someone else, but I'm delighted John sees his future at Leeds United. "
Meanwhile Cheltenham Town boss, and one-time assistant manager to Paul Simpson at Brunton Park, John Ward, also seems to have been chalked off the shortlist. Ward was reputedly, along with Carver, one of the two top choices for the United post but he has reportedly been offered a whopping five-year contract by the Robins board of directors in order to secure his future at Whaddon Road. With Ward also settled in the Gloucestershire area it looks like the search for a new Carlisle manager is going to go on for a good while yet unfortunately.