Carlisle United have confirmed that they have extended midfielder Taylor Charters’ time with the club, offering him a new two-year deal, according to the club’s official website.
Charters played a part in all three of Carlisle’s play-off games, coming off the bench in each game. The Cumbrian etched his name into the club’s history when scoring the winning penalty in the play-off final against Stockport County, ending a nine year spell in the fourth tier for Carlisle. The club triggered a clause in the young midfielder’s contract to extend his stay at Brunton Park till 2025.
Who is Taylor Charters?
Having came through the club’s academy, Charters would earn himself his first pro contract as an 18-year-old. Since signing a senior contract, the youngster has made 57 appearances for Carlisle, netting two goals and supplying four assists in that time. Promotion from League Two with the Cumbrians in the play-offs was not the first time that the youngster had experienced success. Having been loaned to then National League North side Gateshead midway through the 2021/22 season. Charters would rack up 22 appearances for the Tynesiders helping them on their way to winning the National League North title. Although injury problems have hampered the player’s progression, he is still only 21, and could turn into one of Carlisle’s best players if he stays fit.
How did the 2022/23 season go?
Carlisle’s season surpassed all expectations, having been in contention for relegation in the previous season. Local manager Paul Simpson stepped in and arguably saved the club. With their form tailing off in the final few games of the season, they were outsiders for promotion alongside Salford City. Their first play-off semi final leg away at Bradford City would see them lose 1-0, before equalling that scoreline at Brunton Park and then beating the Bantams in extra-time. Stockport were tipped as favourites by some bookmakers in the final however Simpson’s men once again came from behind, to draw 1-1 in normal time, before winning 5-4 via penalty shootout, the final goal being put away by Charters.
As for Charters’ season, it was one in which was plagued by injury. Having suffered a hamstring issue in December, the 21-year-old was on the sidelines until the penultimate game of the season. Prior to that hamstring injury, he had been enjoying his most consistent run in the squad, starting seven of the last eight games before pulling up against Crewe Alexandra. Carlisle’s midfield is arguably their strongest position, with Player of the Season Owen Moxon, alongside the consistent Callum Guy, forming a formidable partnership in the centre of midfield.
It will be interesting to see what Simpson elects to do regarding the midfielders, as he may opt to use Charters as more of an attacking midfielder in the season to come.
Writer’s view
As a Carlisle fan, I’m really glad that this deal has been completed. Although it did seem fairly obvious that it would happen, the extra depth that Charters brings to an already stacked position will massively help the Blues in League One next season. I expect even more from the youngster next year, and if staying injury free, it could be his best season to date.
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