Carlisle's off up north

Carlisle’s representatives have informed the R’s of the player’s intention to sign for new first division rivals Leeds United.

The 24-year old defender will put pen to paper after passing a medical at Elland Road in the near future. Contract length has yet to be released but having reached the end of his deal at Rangers and failing to agree new terms the centre-back will sign on a free transfer.

Carlisle signed for Rangers for £250,000 from Blackpool in May 2000 under the Gerry Francis’ second reign in charge. An outstanding first season at the heart of the R’s defence saw Clarke win England under-21 honours and a blossoming career was promised. However, in a 1^st division derby clash at Loftus Road against Fulham disaster struck. Carlisle suffered a cruciate ligament injury keeping him out of action for 9 months.

On returning to the Rangers first team, the R’s were now a second division side and Clarke found it tough to get back to the level of performance he once showed.

This season Clarke made 33 appearances despite battling a very publicised alcohol addiction problem, which saw him, check into a clinic to get professional advice. Since his injury he became very disillusioned missing his child and family in the north and although fighting back to play in the final months of the promotion campaign he remained unsettled in London.

Ian Holloway and the QPR staff stood by the Blackpool born defender but after being offered a new contract at Rangers as reward for his fighting spirit and courage, he always favoured a move back north.

Rumours of Leeds being interested in Carlisle began back in the January transfer rumour but no comment or offer was made by the Yorkshire club.

Over four years at Loftus Road Clarke made 106 appearances scoring 6 times. On hearing the news Rangers Chief Executive David Davies made the following comment to the QPR official website.

He said "We received a call from Clarke Carlisle’s representatives this morning informing us that he is likely to sign for Leeds United in the very near future.

"I would like to put on record the club’s appreciation of Clarke’s efforts during his time at Loftus Road and I wish him well for the future".

Leeds suffered relegation to the first division in May and will be looking to bounce straight back hoping that Carlisle can boost their hopes.

Rangers’ defence now seems very sketchy heading into pre-season after releasing Steve Palmer and Terrell Forbes and now the departure of Clarke Carlisle, the R’s are also without the injured Danny Shittu.

Widespread thought amongst R’s fans is that the defence had to be strengthened prior to the start of the new season and now with key players departing it looks like Ollie will have to dip into the transfer market build bridges.

For all the latest developments at Rangers about contract talks, transfer rumours and pre-season preparations log onto QPR MAD.

It promises to be a busy summer.