Vernon rejects move to Carlisle
Jul 4 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal
CARLISLE United will have to resume their search for a new striker after Scott Vernon rejected a move to Brunton Park.
And goalkeeper Ben Williams must return to the club after a proposed swap deal broke down.
Williams had been in talks with Colchester United over a transfer, with Carlisle hoping to take Vernon in exchange. But the move broke down when the latter decided against leaving Layer Road.
Vernon had been targeted as a replacement for Danny Graham, who joined Watford on a two-year deal yesterday after allowing his Brunton Park contract to run down. Michael Bridges, now a free agent but on loan at Brunton Park from Hull City last season, was also viewed as a possible permanent signing. But the former Sunderland and Newcastle United striker’s agent has informed the Cumbrians their contract offer was “not acceptable”.
Vernon has slipped down the pecking order at Colchester and was loaned to Northampton Town last term, giving Carlisle manager Greg Abbott hope he could land the former Blackpool and Oldham Athletic goalscorer. But the 25-year-old seems to have surprised both clubs by staying put.
“Scott has decided he wants to stay with Colchester at the moment, so he won’t be coming up here to join us,” Abbott explained. “He has told his people down there that he wants to try to fight for his place. He hadn’t initially asked for a transfer, so he feels he wants to stay there at this moment in time.”
League One rivals Hartlepool United must also go back to the drawing board in their search for a new left-back after missing out on an un-named player, believed to be Stockport County’s Michael Rose.
“We had a left back virtually signed up until late on Tuesday night but that has fallen through and we’re looking at our options,” manager Chris Turner said.
The Teessiders will once more set up a pre-season training camp in Holland later this month. Pool have been regular visitors to the Netherlands, but last year prepared in Scotland instead.
As well as the training, Turner’s side will play two matches, against FC Volendam in Heiloo on July 13 and SC Cambuur in Leeuwarden two days later.
