Collins returns to Carlisle

Dull moments may have been few and far between at Carlisle United during the decade that Michael Knighton ran the club but the local media were preparing for even more eventful days ahead after it was confirmed yesterday that John Courtenay had finally completed his takeover of the Brunton Park side and that Roddy Collins  will soon be back in town.

Courtenay, the boss of Umbro's Irish operation, is believed to have paid around £4 million to take control of the club and clear its debts. He also immediately made it clear that Collins, his assistant John Cunningham and coach Tony Elliott would all return to work at the start of next week.

Although the deal does technically need to be ratified by the club's creditors at a meeting on August 4th Courtenay said yesterday: "I have a letter of sale for the purchase of the club and CUFC holdings. I have bought it lock, stock and barrel. The administrator is happy and I am very happy. Michael Knighton is happy enough to sign the paperwork."

Collins, who was sacked by the club 10 weeks ago after criticising Knighton for holding up the takeover, said he will return to Carlisle over the weekend and intends to take Monday's training session. He says he will have money to spend and expressed confidence that he can do better now than during his first stint at the club when he guided them to 17th place in the third division table.

"I'm not concerned about getting a squad together," said the former Bohemians manager. "I did it last year. It was six days before the season started and I had a squad I didn't fancy but I got on with it. This time I know what's required and I have the players I want lined up."

One of those players, under-21 international defender Brian Shelley, is expected to travel with Collins over the next 48 hours and sign for the club by early next week. The right back had agreed terms with Collins back in the spring but has been with Longford Town for the past few weeks while he waited to see how the situation would be sorted out.

Similarly, Trevor Molloy had signed a short-term contract with Shelbourne with a view to joining Carlisle when Courtenay and Collins took control. Though he is said to be considering his position over the weekend, however, there is some speculation that he may opt to remain at Tolka Park rather than relocate his family to Carlisle.

Former Irish international striker David Kelly, meanwhile, has joined Derry City on a short-term contract. The 36 year old, who made 26 appearances for the Republic, had spells at Leicester, West Ham, Newcastle, and Wolves, among others during a long career in British football.