Mark Hughes has refused to be drawn into speculation linking Carlisle United with a move for Peterborough United midfielder Chris Conn-Clarke.
The Cumbrians have enjoyed a decent start to the new season having dropped into the National League in May. Back-to-back relegations have seen then drop from League One to the fifth tier, with Hughes hoping to guide them back into the EFL at the first time of asking.
Five wins from their opening eight games see them lie third in the table, three points behind leaders Forest Green Rovers. Although the transfer window is now closed, National League teams are still able to add loan players to their squad. This could be an option for the manager in the coming weeks, as he looks to keep up the pace with Robbie Savage’s team.
Conn-Clarke Set For National League Return?
Chris Conn-Clarke earned a move to Peterborough in 2024 after a stunning campaign with Altrincham. The attacking midfielder hit 23 goals in 46 league appearances for the Robins during the 2023/24 season, earning him a move to the Weston Homes Stadium.
The 23-year-old struggled to make the transition to League One though, playing a bit-part role under Darren Ferguson last season. He’s fared even worse this season, failing to play a single minute and making the matchday squad just once.
Chairman Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed that he is attracting interest from the National League, saying that ‘three of the best clubs in non-league’ are keen. This has brought Carlisle into the picture, although Hughes refused to be drawn on the speculation. Speaking to the media, the former Blackburn Rovers boss said:
“There is a lot of rumours around a lot of players and we have conversations about a lot of players.
“Some that we think are doable and others that are way off the radar and not even worth a conversation about.
“There are probably a number of players who are in between those levels as well.
“I haven’t seen a great deal of him [Conn-Clarke], I know him as a player and he has got a good talent but he is someone else’s player so we shouldn’t comment.”
Writer’s View
Hughes has played down speculation linking Carlisle with Conn-Clarke, even going as far as saying he hasn’t seen a great deal of him. However, there’s little doubt that he’s an exceptional talent at National League level and you have to feel that they will at least be exploring him as an option if he is available for loan. With MacAnthony fuelling the flames, it’s a fair guess to say that the likes of Forest Green and York City could also be considering a move.
