James Earl Released By United

James Earl in action at Workington

The Carlisle-born teenager was a permanent member in the youth team last season, while also making some cameo appearances for the United second-string. Earl played 30 times for the youth team in the 2005-06 campaign, scoring six goals in the process, although his appearances were limited by continual ankle and lower leg injury problems. The youngster was hoping to put those troubles behind him, although whether they were the reason for the award of only a six-month professional contract in the summer of 2006, compared to the one-year ones handed out at the same time to Dan Kirkup, Pete Ferris and Adam Bradley, is open to question.

Earl was regarded as a set-piece specialist at the club, and always gave 100% to the cause as he worked up and down the pitch for a full 90 minutes. A niggly leg injury restricted his reserve team chances again this season with the 19-year old only starting in six second-string games, although he did net two goals in the process. The fact that he hasn't been awarded an extension to his current contract, which ends on the 31st of December, by new Blues boss Neil McDonald, is no real surprise given the injury troubles that have plagued his short career. He leaves the club today with the best wishes and good luck for the future of all at CUFC Online.