Coyle for Carlisle? - March 14, 2001
Veteran Irish striker Owen Coyle could be on his way to Carlisle. The one-cap Republic of Ireland international is considering a loan move to the Nationwide third division side.
Coyle, 34, is on the books at Scottish Premier side Dunfermline but has been told repeatedly that he has no future there. He returned to East End Park last week after spending most of the season on loan at fist-division Ross County.
Carlisle manager Ian Atkins is desperate to sign a striker before Thursday's transfer deadline. His team hauled themselves off the bottom of the Nationwide League last night and have a chance to avoid dropping into the Conference.
Coyle is reputedly one of the highest-paid players in Scottish football. His contract runs until December and he intends to see it out - but he has demonstrated that he doesn't mind who pays his wages.
Carlisle have a few bob in the bank, thanks to former star Rory Delap! Derby County recently coughed up an extra £100,000 when the current Republic of Ireland international played his hundredth first-team game for the Rams.
If Coyle - who previously played south of the Border with Bolton Wanderers - does move, Carlisle will be the ninth club of a 566-game career which has seen him notch 204 goals.