Umbro Ireland boss John Courtenay today announced he is poised to take over English Third Division side Carlisle United.
In a statement on the clubs official website, Mr. Courtenay said: “I am pleased to announce that Michael Knighton (current owner) and myself have agreed a deal for the sale of the club in principle, subject to heads of terms.”
If the deal goes ahead it will augment an already significant Irish influence at the club. Former Bohemians boss Roddy Collins is the team’s manager, and there are four Irish players in the first-team squad, including the club’s top scorer Richie Foran.
Collins is also trying to lure several of his former charges at Dalymount Park to Carlisle in time for next season and is convinced money from Courtenay will enable him to make irresistible offers to Brian Shelley, Trevor Molloy, Kevin Hunt, and Glen Crowe.
If he succeeds, the Courtenay take-over will spell joy for Carlisle supporters but despair for fans of Bohemians.