There was more positive news for beleaguered Carlisle United this afternoon when goalkeeper Mark Howard agreed a contract extension.
The 35-year-old vastly experienced custodian had been brought in to ease an injury crisis in the key keeping position during October.
Joining on a short term deal he has now extended that arrangement until the end of the season.
Howard has played 16 games for United and kept seven clean sheets, while his experience has been an important factor around the squad.
A clearly delighted manager Keith Millen told the club’s website: “I’m really pleased that Mark has committed until the end of the season.
“He’d only arrived a couple of weeks before I did, but he’s shown his experience, which we need. He’s been consistent in his games and training. He talks around the place and passes on his experience, so I was keen for him to stay on.
“I’m pleased we’ve got it sorted and we can concentrate on the rest of the season. Him and Magnus are now fighting to be first choice.
“Magnus is getting fitter each week and it’s good that we’ve got keepers who are going to compete with each other.
“In Mark’s games I think it’s seven clean sheets – it’s obviously a whole team effort – but Mark has had a big impact on that.
“He’s made some important saves. You often find with experienced keepers they don’t have loads to do in games because of how they play, but when they’re called upon they’re ready.
“That comes with experience, and Mark has got plenty of that. He’s a calming influence so I’m delighted he’s staying with us because he’s enjoyed working with us.”
Londoner Howard started his career with Arsenal and spent a period on loan with Falkirk during the early stages of his development.
He moved to Cardiff in 2006 and was loaned to local rivals Swansea City for the second half of the 2006/07 campaign. A move north of the border saw him appear for St Mirren and Aberdeen over the next three years.
He came back to England to play for Blackpool but his career really took off when he teamed up with Sheffield United in January 2012. Over 100 appearances followed for the Bramall Lane outfit before moving to Bolton and Blackpool brought another consistent run of appearances.
He played 35 games for Scunthorpe last season and is now adding to his impressive tally with Carlisle.
