Former Claret says no to Football League return

Cowan joined the Cumbrians in November 2003 at a time when they were a long way adrift at the bottom of the then Division Three. He became popular with the Carlisle fans very quickly, just as he had done at Burnley.

He was looking to put down some roots after a period of moving around, having spent five years with Huddersfield he had played for the Clarets and then Cambridge, Peterborough, York and Dundee before arriving at Brunton Park.

However, after over a season and a half with them he has decided to turn down the offer and has moved just up the road to Gretna where he will become their Football in the Community Officer.

Simpson had the last word as Cowan left Carlisle, he said, “Tom has been a great player for the club and, obviously, I wish him every success as he moves on.”