Carlisle signs in

Last updated : 16 August 2007 By Tony Scholes
Preston born Carlisle started his career on the Fylde coast with Blackpool and soon became a regular in their side in the late 90s, making his debut in a 4-3 win at Wrexham in September 1997 on a day when Tony Ellis hit a hat trick for the Seasiders.

Just over a year later he made his first Turf Moor appearance, in a game the Clarets won 1-0 with an Andy Payton penalty, somewhat harshly awarded against Gary Brabin, but as Blackpool headed down in 2000, Carlisle headed south and signed for QPR.

His four years at Loftus Road were hit by personal problems, but he still made over 100 appearances for them. However, at the end of his contract in 2004 he chose to move to Leeds on a Bosman deal. He was one of Kevin Blackwell's first signings as manager of the side just down from the Premiership.

He was at Leeds for less than a year and then his former coach Ady Boothroyd moved in to take him to Watford for a knock down £100,000 fee. He was very much part of their promotion campaign, but a thigh injury ruled him out of the end of the season (including the play offs) and well into last season.

Fully fit again he went to Luton on loan, and his last game for the Hatters was in the 0-0 draw at the Turf at the end of March this year. On his return to Watford he won his place back in the side and played four Premiership games and also was in the side that lost in the FA Cup Semi-Final to Manchester United at Villa Park.

Today he moves back home to Lancashire and to the Clarets, with Steve Cotterill having moved quickly to fill the gap left by the sale of Wayne Thomas to Southampton.