Carlisle United manager Mark Hughes has revealed that midfielder Jed Abbey is on trial with the club after featuring in a pre-season win at Harrogate Town.
The 23-year-old, who came through Wolverhampton Wanderers’ academy and was most recently with Alfreton Town, appeared as a second-half substitute in Carlisle’s 2-0 victory. Hughes later confirmed Abbey is training with the Blues as they weigh up whether to offer him a deal.
Midfielder Under Consideration
Abbey, born in Den Haag, Netherlands, replaced Callum Whelan after 68 minutes at the Exercise Stadium. The head coach praised his attributes, describing him as a strong, physical player who has also shown a knack for scoring goals from midfield during his time in National League North.
“Jed has come in, he’s been connected with Alfreton Town and had a good season. He’s scored goals from midfield, and he’s a big, physical guy. I thought he did okay. We’ve been happy with what he’s done training-wise,”
Hughes said after the friendly.
Having played for Alfreton, South Shields, Telford United and Alvechurch, Abbey has experience across non-league football as well as grounding from Wolves’ youth system. His trial period is now under review as Carlisle decide on their next move before the season begins in earnest.
Quick Decisions Needed
Hughes made clear that decisions on trialists will need to be swift. He admitted the club would ideally prefer to make early calls on players brought in to train, but hinted that Abbey could stay longer to improve his chances.
“We’ve obviously got to make decisions on trialists. It’s important that we make early ones on all the ones that we bring to the club. But, we’ll see,”
Hughes explained.
He added that players in Abbey’s situation often want their futures settled quickly:
“I’m sure he could [stay longer]. He probably would give himself a better chance if he could. But we understand these guys want to get fixed up pretty rapidly. So, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Writer’s View
Carlisle’s decision on Jed Abbey looks set to be made soon, with Hughes keen to finalise his squad. The midfielder’s physical presence and eye for goal could be useful assets in the National League, but competition for places and squad balance may ultimately determine his fate.
Trialists rarely get extended windows to impress, so Abbey’s time with the Blues over the coming days will be crucial. If he can show the same drive he displayed at Alfreton, he could yet earn a place in Hughes’ plans.
