Howarth Set To Seal Cumbrians Move

By Mark Heys
May 2 2007

Carlisle United are hoping to sign Bolton's reserve team goalkeeper Chris Howarth on a permanant basis after the 20-year old spent the last few weeks on loan at Brunton Park.

Former England schoolboy international Howarth is yet to make his debut for the Cumbrians due to the form of Kieran Westwood, but Carlisle manager Neil McDonald is still keen to take on the Bolton-born custodian for good.

Howarth is one of a number of Bolton old boys to play for United with Jeff Smith, Johann Smith and Danny Livesey joining former Wanderers coach McDonald with the one time League One play off chasers.

McDonald knows he will have to send American striker Johann Smith back to the Reebok Stadium at the end of the season but he is keen nonetheless to continue the good relationship that has been built up with Wanderers since he arrived as manager at Carlisle.

"I’ve got a good relationship with Sammy Lee, so I don’t see anything changing on that front. The rest of the staff are still there and I’m hoping we can continue the good relationship we have with Bolton.

“We’ve been very lucky to get two players off them – and hopefully they won’t be the last two.” said McDonald when asked if the departure of Sam Allardyce would affect Carlisle's links with Bolton.