Parkes is off

Last updated : 27 May 2019 By Paddock Pundit

Carlisle United can confirm that defender Tom Parkes has turned down his contract offer from the club as he looks set to sign for another League Two outfit today.

Parkes, 27, made a total of 89 appearances for the Blues through his two-year stay and was offered a new deal by manager Steven Pressley at the end of the 2018/19 season.

"Tom has been an excellent player for Carlisle United and we wish him all the very best as he moves on to his new challenge," the manager said. "Obviously we plan for every eventuality when we make contract offers and we continue to work hard to bring the players in who will help to push this club forward to where we want it to be."

Nottinghamshire-born Parkes joined Leicester City as a scholar and had loan spells with Burton Albion, Yeovil Town and Bristol Rovers during his time at the Walkers Stadium.

His final loan move with the Pirates led to a permanent move to join Bristol Rovers for an undisclosed fee in 2012. He became club captain during his four-year stay at the Memorial Stadium and made close to 200 appearances, experiencing both relegation and promotion campaigns.

His loyalty to the club earned him hero status when he stayed in Bristol for a successful return to the Football League at the first attempt, via a Wembley play-off final, in 2015.

Parkes joined Leyton Orient in the summer of 2016 and scored once in his 44 appearances at the Matchroom Stadium.

He scored twice for United during his 24-month spell at Brunton Park.