Gregg Abbott is keen to retain loan star Pericard

Nov 4 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CARLISLE United boss Greg Abbott intends to hammer out a long-term deal with Vincent Pericard after the ex-Stoke striker’s instant impact at Brunton Park.

The powerful French forward has impressed since joining the Cumbrians last month and Abbott is already planning talks to extend his deal beyond the existing agreement, which runs until January. Having proved his fitness by playing a part in every Carlisle game since joining the club, Pericard may already be attracting admiring glances from clubs higher up the Football League than Abbott’s men, but he is hopeful of keeping him into the New Year.

“Vincent has been absolutely terrific. The lads like him, he likes being here and he is a big, big influence on the pitch,” Abbott said. “He’s with us until the New Year at the moment but we will have to sit down in the near future and see what his thoughts are, and what his agent’s thoughts are, about increasing that deal.

“I think he is enjoying it though. He is a big part of the camp now and his quality is there for everyone to see.” Although the team slipped to a defeat on his debut against Yeovil, Pericard has helped Carlisle to back-to-back victories against Southend and Charlton.

And while Abbott feels that the big striker has played his part leading the line, he also reckons that the former Juventus man is creating space for others to play. In particular, he feels that Graham Kavanagh has come into his own since the arrival of Pericard in the starting XI.

“Vincent is a big foil for Scott (Dobie) and Joe Anyinsah and teams actually back off from him which gives lads like Kavanagh more space,” he said. “Part of the reason for Kav getting a bit more time to pick his passes is because opposition teams are back-tracking and it just leaves the space for our midfield.

“You can see teams backing off because they want to track him and that is allowing Scott and Joe – and Richard Offiong when he’s playing – a bit more room as well. I think he brings something extra to our side and he’s a pleasure to work with.”

Meanwhile, Abbott’s new signing Adam Clayton said that a personal recommendation from former Newcastle winger Craig Bellamy convinced him to choose Carlisle over other lower league suitors.

The highly-rated 20-year-old wants to use him two months in Cumbria as a stepping stone to the Manchester City first team, and believes he can make an immediate impact among the cut and thrust of League One.

“I’m quite close to Craig Bellamy and we’ve had a few chats. He told me I need to get out on loan and play some games,” he said.

“I told him on Friday I was going out on loan to either Swindon or Carlisle. He said Carlisle would be a good place to go. He’s been a decent person to have around me.

“He said Carlisle don’t just boot the ball and would be a decent team for me as a player to go and fit in. I’ve got Craig to thank for being here.”