United boss Steven Pressley confirmed this week that talks are ongoing with keeper Adam Collin about a contract extension, triggered by the club in March, which would see him stay at Brunton Park for the duration of the 2019/20 season.
Collin, 34, returned to Carlisle for a second spell in July 2018 and made a total of 47 appearances in all competitions through the last campaign. He scooped a number of awards when the season came to a close last weekend, including the News & Star, season ticket holders’ and away travel player of the year accolades.
“I had a football conversation with Adam today [Monday] an he’s a person I really respect and like,” the manager said. “I’d love him to stay at this club.
“There was a trigger clause in his contract, which the club initiated, and that was to keep him here for a further year.
“I believe, at this moment in time, that’s he’s in negotiations with David [Holdsworth] about an improved offer. Hopefully they can find a solution to that.”
Meanwhile midfielder and fans’ favourite Jamie Devitt, who scooped the coveted players’ player of the year award on Sunday night, has been offered a new deal as his current contract with the club draws to a close.
Devitt, 28, has scored 22 goals in 130 appearances for the Blues during a three-year stay in Cumbria and, with 12 goals this season, recorded his best goals to games ratio since turning professional with Hull City 10 years ago.
“He’s another who I had a good conversation with,” the gaffer confirmed. “It’s a situation in his career where he has a big decision to make. He’s at a stage where this is probably the most important contract that he’ll sign.
“He’s at that sort of age, and he’s had a terrific season, so he will obviously have suitors from elsewhere. He now has to weigh up what the best option for him is and I think we can only respect that.
“It’s normal, it’s the way football is. He has a family and a life in front of him that he needs to ensure he has stability about. There are a number of things for him to consider and I respect that fully.
“We obviously would love him to stay because he’s been a terrific player for the club. I have a very good relationship with him, but only time will tell now. Fingers are crossed that we can retain him.”
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