Carlisle United Football Club

• Nickname:The Cumbrians
• Founded:1903
• Manager:Greg Abbott

• Ground:Brunton Park
• Capacity:16651

McDonald refuses to panic

12 May 2007 - 14:08:40

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Carlisle United boss Neil McDonald insists he is not surprised by Karl Hawley's decision to reject a new contract offer from the club.

However, he is disappointed by Peter Murphy's belief that his future lies away from Brunton Park.

McDonald has already released Kevin Gray, Paul Murray, Derek Holmes and Liam Atkin while Raphael Nade's contract has been cancelled and Anthony Williams is about to sign for Wrexham.

"It's not panic stations," the Carlisle boss told the News & Star.

"It's a long time until the start of next season, and even to pre-season. We're talking to a lot of players and we'll be chipping away trying to sell Carlisle to them.

"I'm not surprised at Karl's decision, but I'm disappointed that Murph didn't want to commit to the football club.

"Karl didn't phone me - which I was a bit disappointed with - but his agent did. He gave no reasons other than to say he wasn't accepting the offer, because he wants to move somewhere else."