Carlisle would love to stay

Last updated : 11 May 2004 By Mark O' Haire
Carlisle's future has been uncertain
Queens Park Rangers defender Clarke Carlisle says he wants to sign a new deal at Loftus Road.
Carlisle's contract expires this summer and his future has been in doubt for several months.

"I'd love to stay. I believe the club is on the up and I want to be a part of it," said the former England Under-21 centre-back.

"There are quite a few lads whose contracts are up now and hopefully something can be sorted out."

Other QPR players also now out-of-contract include Matthew Rose, midfielder Marc Bircham and veteran striker Paul Furlong.

Bircham believes Rangers' promotion back to Division One will enable him to stay with club he has always supported.

"I think this means I can stay - I really hope so," he said.

"I'd have been happy to stay whatever division we were in but if we hadn't gone up, I personally doubt it would have happened.