Livesey pledges future to United
Last updated 13:50, Tuesday, 06 May 2008
RETURNING skipper Danny Livesey today shot down speculation over his Carlisle United future by underlining his commitment to the promotion-chasing Blues.
Livesey is back from suspension to lead United in their massive League One play-off showdown with Leeds, starting next Monday.
The defender’s reputation has soared in a season when he was named one of the division’s best two centre-halves in the recent PFA select XI, along with star goalkeeper Keiren Westwood.
It has led to fears among fans that the 23-year-old could be snapped up by a bigger club if United fail to reach the Championship via Wembley.
But Livesey says he has never thought about being anywhere other than Brunton Park.
“I’ve always said I want to get as far as I can with Carlisle,” said the former Bolton defender. “I came here in the Conference but I knew we were building something really good and I wanted to be a part of it.
“You should take a step back and look how far this club has come. Remember when we were playing Stevenage and they were banging on the doors and mocking us? Remember when we were at Crawley and they were giving us abuse?
“Carlisle will always be a special club to me and I’m not the only one who’ll say that.”
Rookie Darren Campion impressed on his full debut at the heart of John Ward’s back four in the final game of the season against Bournemouth on Saturday, while Livesey served his one-match ban.
But Livesey is certain to come straight back into the side for next Monday’s trip to Elland Road and will captain the side, unless boss Ward includes club captain Paul Thirlwell from the start.
And the big defender believes the Blues can go into the play-offs with nothing to fear, despite their status as 4/1 outsiders to achieve promotion at Wembley on May 25.
“We’ve been in the top six all season and that’s testament to the team,” Livesey said. “The lads have rolled their sleeves up and given it a right go.”
Tickets for both legs of the Leeds clash go on sale at midday today. United’s 2,000 allocation for the away leg are available to season ticket holders only.
nREAD the full Livesey interview in our free 24-page United souvenir supplement inside today’s paper.
