National League club release player but immediately invite him back for pre-season

Carlisle United have invited midfielder Sam Hetherington back for pre-season training this summer despite having released him.

The National League outfit – managed by Mark Hughes – revealed their retained list ahead of the 2026/27 campaign with 12 players set to leave Brunton Park.

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Among the crop of young players released are Jake Allan, Dan Hopper, Freddie O’Donoghue and Thomas Randall.

Hetherington was also on the list of players on their way out of the club, however the door was quickly reopened for the 20-year-old to report back for pre-season training.

No decision has yet been taken on whether he will take up the offer following a quick change of heart by club chiefs.

Other players exiting the club include senior players Terell Thomas, Aaron Hayden, Archie Davies, Charlie Wyke, Ethan Robson, Jordan Jones, Josh Grant and Sam Murray.

There is good news for out-of-contract midfielder Harvey Macadam who will continue at Carlisle after the club activated an option in his deal.

Macadam impressed in his first season at Brunton Park, earning himself another shot with the club.

The ex-Morecambe midfielder featured 44 times this season, scoring seven goals.

The shake-up is a significant move by the club who are already looking towards a potential title charge next season.

Carlisle agonisingly missed out of promotion back to the EFL following their third-placed finish and subsequent defeat in the play-off semi-finals.

United were beaten 2-1 by Boreham Wood last Sunday to bring a premature end to their campaign.

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Further comings and goings

The Cumbrians confirmed that loan players Alex Gilliead, Hugh Parker, Chris Conn-Clarke Archie Mair and Ephraim Yeboah would all be returning to their parent clubs.

However, fans will see see the returns of Luke Armstrong, Josh Williams, Morgan Feeney, Cameron Harper, Bevis Mugabi and Junior Luamba.

They will be joined by Stephen Wearne, Georgie Kelly, Gabe Breeze, Callum Whelan, David Ajiboye, Jack Ellis, Hayden Atkinson, Regan Linney, Elliot Embleton, Ryan Galvin and Jonah Lowes.

A club statement from the head of football operations Marc Tierney read: “On behalf of everyone at Carlisle United, I’d like to thank each of the departing players for their contribution during their time at Brunton Park, and wish them all the very best for their future careers.”

There is yet to be a decision on the future of boss Hughes ahead of next season.