Carlisle manager Paul Simpson has issued a firm statement on the club’s official website regarding his stance on the future of Owen Moxon.
This comes after the news that Blackpool had put a bid in for Moxon, which was swiftly turned down by the club. It is believed that the bid was around £250,000 for the midfielder, but in a new interview, Simpson has explicitly said that his star man is not for sale.
This will come as welcomed news to Carlisle fans, who may have been somewhat worried with the rumours coming so close to the start of the 2023/24 League One season. Carlisle are very much one of the underdogs in the division having gained promotion via a victory on penalties against Stockport County in the play-off final.
Keeping hold of Moxon could be the difference between survival and relegation for the Cumbrians this season and after a stellar season last year for the 25-year-old he will be expected to play an instrumental part in Paul Simpson’s side once again. Moxon’s performances last year did not go unnoticed as he was featured in the League Two Team of the Year as well as picking up multiple awards at Carlisle’s End of season Awards Dinner.
Who is Owen Moxon?
Moxon would begin his youth career with Carlisle but would be released before ever making a senior appearance for the Cumbrians. The midfielder would end up applying his trade over the border in Scotland, appearing for Queen of the South, Gretna 2008 and Annan Athletic in a seven year stint in Scotland. After impressing at Annan, Moxon would return to his boyhood club in 2022 and would experience a breakout year in English football.
Having registered six goals and 16 assists in League Two last season it is no surprise that Moxon is being rumoured with a move elsewhere, but manager Paul Simpson has issued a firm standpoint on his position regarding Moxon’s future. The interview with Simpson comes after a separate statement which Carlisle’s Holdings Board issued following the transfer speculation.
Whats been said?
Speaking on the future of Owen Moxon, Simpson said:
“There’s no point ducking and diving behind things. There was a bid for him. It was absolutely turned down flat. There was an inquiry from the same club a few weeks ago where we were asked to name our price, and the club were absolutely adamant there’s no price because he’s not for sale.”
“We all know he’s got a year left on his contract. My first conversation with him about signing an extension was the Tuesday after the Wembley game. Once we knew what league we were in, we had a conversation that we were going to make an offer to him.
“Those conversations have gone on. We’ve made a fantastic offer for him to stay at the football club, the board are adamant that we want him with us. We can’t do any more about it.
“There’s no thought of cashing in on him or anything like that. We believe that with Owen Moxon in our team, we have a better chance of doing well in League One next season, and I am really pleased and thankful that the directors think the same.”
“He knows he has a chance to leave a huge legacy as a Carlisle United player here. He’s a homegrown lad. He actually loves playing football for us and it’s just a case that we’ve got to keep speaking and hope that he thinks that this is the right place for him, and we can make it the right place.”
Writer’s view
The club have handled the situation exceptionally well, first through the Holdings Board’s statement, and now this interview with Simpson. Blues fans will have the piece of mind that the club are doing everything in their power to retain their star player, it is now up to Moxon to decide his future at the club. Following their promotion to League Two, the chances of the midfielder staying are far higher and I reckon he will now sign a long-term contract in the next few days. Moxon will be a vital cog in the midfield again this season and could be the difference maker in Carlisle’s League One future.
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