Blues boss on transfer plans after Armstrong exit - and Harris hopes
Mike Williamson admits Carlisle United need to move again in the market after Luke Armstrong’s departure.
But he insisted there was not huge immediate pressure on plugging the gap in the squad.
The striker was allowed to leave on loan to Motherwell last week, Armstrong making his debut in their 2-1 Scottish Premiership defeat at St Johnstone.
Head coach Williamson, responding to Armstrong’s exit for the rest of the season, said: “We certainly do need to bring somebody in.”
But he said any new signing would have to be the right fit for United, who saw one of their January attacking signings, Cedwyn Scott, score on his first start in the 2-1 win at Fleetwood Town.
Joe Hugill also put in a good display up front while Williamson says he has other options too.
On efforts to add to his attack after Armstrong’s move, the Blues boss said: “We are looking.
“We’ve got lads who can play number nine. We've got Joe, who's been fantastic and he's put a couple of really good shifts in for us.
“Ceds, we played in the number eight position [on Saturday] but he also plays number nine.
“Wearnie [Stephen Wearne] has played there, Kads [Kadeem Harris] has played number nine in the past, so we have got options there.
“So it's really important that if we are bringing somebody in, it's the right person who's going to add to us.
“We are looking, but we'll have to wait and see. There is no unbelievable pressure in that respect, but it's about bringing the right person in.”
Sporting director Rob Clarkson, speaking after Armstrong’s move was confirmed, said United were happy with the attacking options they have signed this month but maintained the Blues were “still looking to strengthen further.” Carlisle have made ten signings so far in the January window.
United remain hopeful of securing Kadeem Harris on a new deal (Image: Ben Holmes)
Carlisle are also aiming to wrap up a contract extension for Harris, who impressed in the win at Fleetwood and has one game left before his short-term deal expires.
Travelling Blues fans chanted, ‘We want you to stay’ as Harris helped inspire the Blues to a much-needed win.
Asked by the News & Star after the game about when there could be a resolution to contract talks, Williamson said: “I’m hoping it’s very soon too.
“He’s obviously contracted for Tuesday [United’s game at Notts County], but I'm hoping it's just as soon as [possible].”
There remains the prospect of further departures at Brunton Park, with Jack Robinson among those still expected to move on.
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