Carlisle United Release Play-Off Star

Upon announcing their retained and released list, Carlisle United have released right-back Joel Senior, who shone throughout their playoff campaign.

The versatile defender started all three play-off matches, including playing the whole 120 minutes of the final against Stockport County. Senior was often utilised by Paul Simpson as a right-wing back but has also been comfortable on the right side of midfield and in a back four at times.

The 23-year-old played an instrumental part in Omari Patrick’s equaliser for the Cumbrians which sent the game to extra time. They would eventually go on to win 5-4 on penalties, booking their place in League One next season.

Senior joined Carlisle in the 2022 January transfer window from National League side Altrincham but has made just 21 appearances for the Blues in an 18-month stay with the club. In his maiden season with the Cumbrian side, Senior made only four appearances before a cruciate ligament injury kept him out for the rest of the season. His return to the side was not until late December, with youngster Jack Ellis and Nottingham Forest loanee Fin Back both keeping him out of the team.

Injuries to both players led to Senior playing an integral part towards the end of the season, where he started the final 5 matches. His performances were not enough for Paul Simpson to offer him a new deal with the club.

Next season will be Carlisle’s first season back in the third tier for nine years and the squad will need to strengthen in order to be competitive. Senior is not seen as part of the future plans, but there will no doubt be a plethora of League Two sides monitoring the situation, ready to snap him up.

Who is Joel Senior?

Hailing from Disbury, Senior spent just under ten seasons in the Oldham youth academy but was released in 2014 for being too small. He would then end up playing for F.C United of Manchester where he made a name for himself before signing for National League North side Curzon Ashton. Burnley then signed the right back to play for their under-23’s, though he left just a season later to sign for Altrincham before his move to Brunton Park. A quick and intelligent wing-back who loves to get forward, Senior is just as capable in a back four as he is in a back five. At times for both Carlisle and Altrincham, the 23-year-old has also played in midfield, showcasing his versatility.

Writer’s View

It came as a bit of a surprise to me that Senior was released by Carlisle given his performances in the play-offs where he was an integral part of the Cumbrians’ win at Wembley. Carlisle now only have academy graduate Jack Ellis at right-back now, so must be looking at new options in the summer. That being said another potential loan from Nottingham Forest for Fin Back might be on the cards as he was very impressive prior to his injury. Senior will be a great asset to any League Two side, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up in the summer.

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