Former Carlisle United favourite Kennedy confirms retirement

Former Carlisle United favourite Jason Kennedy has confirmed the end of his playing career.

The midfielder has called it a day at 38.

Kennedy's retirement brings an end to a career which included a popular and effective spell in a Carlisle shirt from 2015 to 2019.

He had most recently been playing in non-league with Redcar Athletic but used a social media post to reflect on his playing days.

"After taking some time to reflect on my career, I’d just like to say a massive thank you to my Family, Agent, Clubs, Managers, Coaches, Players & Fans," Kennedy wrote.

"Without your support I couldn’t have lived my dream. You helped provide me with the best memories. Thank you!"

Kennedy, from Stockton-on-Tees, started out at Middlesbrough before moving on to Darlington, Rochdale and Bradford City.

He joined Carlisle on loan from the Bantams in March 2015 and played a key part in the Blues' League Two survival under Keith Curle.

Kennedy in action against Liverpool's James Milner in 2015's League Cup tie at Anfield (Image: Jonathan Becker)

Kennedy went on to join the Blues permanently and was a regular in their side in 2015/16 as United improved to a tenth-placed finish and enjoyed some memorable cup runs.

The midfielder scored the winner in Carlisle's impressive 2-1 League Cup win at QPR, Kennedy going on to start in United's dramatic 1-1 draw at Liverpool. He also played his part in the run to the FA Cup fourth round, culminating in a sell-out 3-0 home defeat to Everton.

Kennedy then hit remarkable goalscoring form in the first half of the 2016/17 campaign, scoring ten goals by the turn of the year as Curle's side embarked on a promotion push.

His exploits earned him the League Two player of the month award for October 2016.

Injury then limited his involvement before he returned to score in the play-off semi-final second leg defeat at Exeter City.

A serious hip injury then ruled Kennedy out of action from October 2017 to January 2019. He returned to make a handful of appearances before leaving the Blues that summer after 107 appearances and 18 goals.

He went on to spend two years at Hartlepool United before a switch to Spennymoor Town, where he also moved into coaching, and then Marske United, joining Northern League Division One outfit Redcar in January.