No change of heart for Ian

Nov 27 2009 by Stuart Rayner, The Journal

STEVE Staunton took the number of signings in his short tenure as Darlington manager to 14 – but perhaps the region’s most significant piece of business on yesterday’s Football League loan deadline was a deal which did not happen after Carlisle United resisted Ipswich Town’s approach for Ian Harte.

Roy Keane approached the Cumbrians about a move for Harte, a player he signed for Sunderland.

The former Republic of Ireland defender is Carlisle’s top-scorer this season, and the news he is staying at Brunton Park will be well received by the club’s fans.

Meanwhile Darlington, bottom of League Two, yesterday signed defenders Andrew Milne and Danny Hall, and midfielder Paul Harsley, all on loan until January 2.

Shortly before the 5pm deadline Hall became the 14th player signed by Staunton since he was appointed Quakers manager in October.

Academy product Milne has joined from Leeds United, where Staunton was on the coaching staff.

A talented cricketer who has played for the Lord’s Taverners, the 19-year-old has no first-team and only five reserve-team appearances to his name.

By contrast, 31-year-old holding midfielder Harsley is a veteran of more than 400 league and cup games, who started at Grimsby Town, before moving to hometown club Scunthorpe United. He joined Chesterfield after spells with Halifax Town, Northampton Town, Macclesfield Town and Port Vale, where he was captain.

Harsley can also play right midfield and right-back, and is an accomplished penalty-taker who top-scored for the Shaymen with 11 in 2000-01, when they were relegated from the Football League.