Shrewsbury Town‘s Morgan Feeney, has signed a permanent deal with National League side, Carlisle United as the they look to mount an instant return to the EFL.
Carlisle have picked up the 26-year-old on a two-year agreement following their back-to-back relegations, dropping out of the Football League. Now in the fifth tier, the Cumbrians picked up just 42 points last season, finishing 23rd and seven points from safety.
Feeney, who previously enjoyed a 76-match stint with Carlisle between 2021 and 2023, will look to vastly improve the Blues’ defence. The 26-year-old graduated from the Everton academy and appeared twice before being loaned out to Tranmere Rovers for their 2019/20 League One campaign. Feeney made just one appearance with Rovers before making the exact same amount the following season in a permanent switch to Sunderland, where the defender scored and assisted in his only EFL Trophy game.
In 2021, Carlisle picked up the Englishman and subsequently handed him 35 league appearances in the first season. The former England under-19 player will rejoin his old club in a free deal with a view to solidify a poor defensive group.
Mark Hughes, Carlisle’s manager is seemingly excited to have agreed terms with Feeney and said this upon the reunion:
“Bringing Morgan back is a move we’re extremely pleased with. He embodies all the characteristics you look for in a player – professionalism, drive, quality on the pitch, and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed.
“Morgan’s familiarity with the club, its culture, and the expectations placed on players to perform will be invaluable as we continue to build for the season ahead. His experience and presence will add hugely to the leadership within the team, both on and off the field.
“I’m looking forward to working with him and I’m excited about what he will bring to the squad.”
In the 2023 League Two play-off final, Carlisle beat Stockport County – with Feeney captaining the Cumbrian side. Shrewsbury Town consequently snapped up the 26-year-old for themselves where he went on to make 80 appearances in domestic competitions for the Shrews.
Town have already picked up Tom Anderson on a free transfer from Doncaster Rovers, who could be a direct replacement for Feeney. However, Aaron Pierre has also departed the League Two side following his own contract expiration. Aston Villa loanee, Josh Feeney has returned to his parent club, leaving Shrewsbury slightly shorter in the defensive ranks.
Writer’s View
Important solidity in a vital back line department is a sensible target for Carlisle as they look to return immediately to the EFL. Shrewsbury are losing a great servant to their club in the two years Feeney has given.
Anderson is a very decent replacement, with 251 appearances for Doncaster since January 2018 directly replacing the experience of their outgoing defender with the 31-year-old’s even greater exposure to the game.
Feeney will likely boost Carlisle’s promotion hopes and could bolster their defence enough to claim top spot ahead of a gruelling National League campaign.
