The Carlisle United players out of contract this summer

TOMAS HOLY

The former United No1 is now in first-team exile as third-choice, after losing his place twice this season. Holy, who broke a clean-sheet record in last term’s promotion campaign, made his last appearance on December 23, with Gabe Breeze and new signing Harry Lewis now ahead of him. Given how this campaign has unfolded it would be a surprise if his future at Brunton Park extends beyond this summer.

Tomas Holy (Image: Barbara Abbott)

PAUL HUNTINGTON

Speaking in October 2022, Paul Simpson said he hoped Huntington would give the Blues “three years to finish his career”, but it’s unclear whether that vision will materialise given how intermittent the big Cumbrian’s appearances have been this season. Just 17 outings so far in 2023/24, with the defender left out of the squad for the latest time last weekend after a three-game run back in the XI.

Paul Huntington (Image: Richard Parkes)

JOSH EMMANUEL

The right-sided player was the Blues’ first signing of the Piatak era and it remains to be seen whether he will last the course into the owners’ first full season. Emmanuel, who joined as a free agent in November, has made 11 outings in a campaign which also involved a two-month injury lay-off. The remaining eight may be key as to whether Emmanuel can hold a consistent place ahead of Jack Ellis and Fin Back.

Josh Emmanuel (Image: Richard Parkes)

COREY WHELAN

Whelan has been a dependable figure through much of his three-year stint in Cumbria but his time with the Blues looks to be coming to an obscure ending given he was not even registered on United’s squad list for the second half of the season. Whelan turned down an offer to settle his contract, preferring to remain at Carlisle until the summer – at which point it is hard to see anything other than a permanent departure.

Corey Whelan (Image: Ben Holmes)

JORDAN GIBSON

It’s easy to see the case of Gibson attracting the most debate when his fate is decided at the end of the campaign. The attacking midfielder remains Carlisle’s leading scorer and one of their more creative players but right now he is out of starting favour in spite of the Blues’ dire form. If that is evidence of Simpson moving on from Gibson, the signs are the 26-year-old will do the same.

Jordan Gibson (Image: Richard Parkes)

SEAN MAGUIRE

The eve-of-season attacking arrival came to Carlisle with Championship and even international pedigree but it’s safe to say this has not been a productive season for Maguire, who has scored just twice all campaign and is seldom a starter these days. Something dramatic over the final eight games may be needed for United to take their chances with the experienced Irishman for longer.

Sean Maguire (Image: Richard Parkes)

MAX KILSBY

This will be a summer of judgement on the potential of young defender Kilsby, after his latest spell away from the Blues on loan. After two stints with Annan Athletic, the left-sided defender, 20, is ending the campaign with Queen of the South, also in Scottish League One – a step up in terms of full-time football on loan, and hopefully enough evidence on which United can base their decision on whether to back the defensive prospect to remain in their professional ranks.

Max Kilsby (Image: Barbara Abbott)

KAI NUGENT

Last year’s graduate from the Blues’ youth team signed a one-year deal with an option, and has spent the season learning under Peter Murphy at Annan Athletic. Nugent has gained plenty of first-team football at Galabank, making 20 appearances and scoring three goals, in his first year as a pro following a positive loan at Workington Reds the season before. Another case where United must decide whether to back a promising young Cumbrian’s potential for longer.

Kai Nugent (Image: Barbara Abbott)

ANTON DUDIK

A wild card signing in January, Dudik was brought in as a development project and, after a brief taste of first-team action, has played most of his football in reserve and youth games so far. Paul Simpson has spoken highly of the forward’s attitude and application, and it will be a matter of deciding whether the Ukrainian is worth a longer look even as United clear the decks in other areas.

Anton Dudik (Image: Barbara Abbott)

LOAN PLAYERS WHO WILL LEAVE IN THE SUMMER

JOKULL ANDRESSON

FIN BACK

SEAN GREHAN

TERRY ABLADE

JOSHUA KAYODE

JACK DIAMOND

CONTRACTS UP IN SUMMER 2025

BEN BARCLAY

JAYDEN HARRIS

SAM LAVELLE

JACK ROBINSON (with an option)

JACK ELLIS (with an option)

JOSH VELA (with an option)

CALLUM GUY (with an option)

ALFIE MCCALMONT

DYLAN MCGEOUCH

TAYLOR CHARTERS

DAN BUTTERWORTH

CONTRACTS UP IN SUMMER 2026

HARRY LEWIS

JON MELLISH

JACK ARMER

HARRISON NEAL

CONTRACTS UP IN SUMMER 2027

GABE BREEZE

GEORGIE KELLY

LUKE ARMSTRONG

*Any potential appearance trigger clauses in the deals of the above players have not been made public