Former Carlisle United frontman Paddy Madden is set to leave promoted Stockport County.

The Hatters have announced that the Irish striker will be moving on this summer.

Stockport said that they were unable to reach an agreement to keep captain Madden at Edgeley Park.

It means the 34-year-old, who has been a hugely influential figure in Stockport's rise to League One, will depart after three years at the club.

A statement from County said: "The club can confirm that captain Paddy Madden will depart Edgeley Park in the summer.

"Unfortunately, both parties could not come to a satisfactory agreement.

"Paddy leaves with nothing but the best wishes of everyone at Stockport County Football Club after his decisive impact in two title wins since joining us in 2021.

"The Irishman’s place as a club legend is already assured, having hit 65 goals in 157 County appearances – making him the tenth highest goalscorer in our history."

News and Star: Madden's career took off after leaving Carlisle in 2013Madden's career took off after leaving Carlisle in 2013 (Image: Paula Thanner)

Madden hit 22 goals last term to help Stockport win the League Two title.

He is one of eight players leaving at the end of their respective County contracts, with Todd Kane, Ryan Croasdale, Myles Hippolyte, Jordan Smith, Bobby Jones, Taylor McMahon and Christian Mulindwa all released.

Madden has long been one of the most reliable goalscorers in the third, fourth and fifth tiers.

The Dubliner, signed by Carlisle from Bohemians in 2011, scored just two goals in 36 appearances for the Cumbrians.

But his time in the English game took off when leaving the Blues for Yeovil Town in 2013 and he has enjoyed a prolific career with the Glovers, Scunthorpe United, Fleetwood Town and Stockport.

He was in the Stockport side that was beaten by Carlisle on penalties in the 2023 League Two play-off final at Wembley, but helped the Hatters bounce back to win the division 12 months later.