raynesturnsdowncontract26may17

Carlisle United can confirm that defender Michael Raynes has turned down the offer of a new contract with the club as he moves on to a new challenge.

Raynes, 29, joined the Blues on a one-year deal in the summer of 2015. This was extended for a second term when an appearance based clause was triggered.

He made a total of 97 appearances and scored six goals through his two-year stay and was the club’s vice captain, stepping up to wear the armband on the pitch on numerous occasions.

Manager Keith Curle said: "Michael has been fantastic for us, both with how he's been as an individual and with his presence for us in the dressing room and out on the pitch.

"He's a great character who demands high standards of himself and of others and he was an excellent captain and vice captain through his time here.

"I'm sure he will go on to have an equally positive impact when he takes on his next challenge."

The big centre back started his career with Stockport County where he made over 150 appearances in his six-year stay.

Successful seasons with Scunthorpe and Rotherham followed and his performances caught the eye of Oxford United where he went on to make just under 100 appearances in his three year spell at the Kassam.

He spent the second half of the 14/15 season at Mansfield.

Michael is expected to sign for another League Two club in the coming days and leaves Brunton Park with the very best wishes of everyone at the club.

Meanwhile we can also confirm that striker Junior Joachim will not be returning to Brunton Park having left the club as his short-term stay with the Blues came to a close at the end of the season.