Paul Dummett will compete in League Two following the acceptance of a short-term contract with last-placed Carlisle United.
Newcastle United terminated the defender’s contract last summer after a 23-year affiliation with the club. The Kenton native joined the Magpies at the age of nine and made 213 appearances for his childhood club.
Nonetheless, playing time diminished following the Saudi-backed acquisition, resulting in merely eight Premier League appearances during his final three seasons on Tyneside. Eddie Howe dismissed Dummett and fellow veteran Matt Ritchie in June, both of whom were instrumental to Newcastle’s promotion-winning campaign under Rafa Benitez in 2016-17.
Dummett was associated with multiple Championship clubs, including Middlesbrough and Sheffield United, prior to his transfer to League One team Wigan Athletic in October. The 33-year-old participated in only five matches during a two-month agreement before deciding not to extend his contract.
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Wigan manager Shaun Maloney expressed his intention to retain Dummett, who trained at Newcastle’s facility earlier this season; nonetheless, the former Newcastle player will now transfer to Carlisle. The Cumbrians, anchored at the bottom of the EFL, are under the management of former United defender Mike Williamson.
“I have played with Paul, so I am quite familiar with him,” Williamson stated after the announcement. “He possesses extensive experience at an elevated level.” I believe he will be a significant influence in the locker room, both on and off the pitch.
“He possesses evident quality from competing at the highest level; we must ensure he acclimates swiftly.” He is available, but he must improve his match fitness. Although it will require some time for him to acclimatise, he is poised to be an invaluable asset to everyone in our current circumstances.
