As they are ready to return to League Two, Carlisle United have enticed defender Aaron Hayden back to Brunton Park on a free transfer. He has committed to the Cumbrian Group for a two-year contract. After Wrexham was promoted from the fourth division, Hayden’s 27-year-old contract was set to expire at the end of the previous campaign. After considering his alternatives, he has made the decision to rejoin his previous team. According to the official club website, Paul Simpson, the manager of the Cumbrians, stated: “We’re delighted that Aaron has agreed to return to us.” He returns to the club with two promotions and more experience under his belt. He’ll be a fantastic addition to the group, in my opinion.
“As soon as we knew he was going to be available, he was a player we targeted early. We’re delighted to have been able to get this agreement ahead of other clubs,” Simpson added. Carlisle United have boosted their defensive department by bringing in Hayden, and he is a shrewd addition. He will give Simpson more competition and depth at the back, and he is someone who already knows the club inside out.
The Londoner was on the books of the Cumbrians from 2019 to 2021, making 73 appearances in all competitions and chipping in with eight goals from the back. Wrexham then managed to lure him down to the National League, and he helped them win promotion back to the Football League in his second season.
Hayden went on to play 95 games for the Red Dragons altogether and found the net on an impressive 20 occasions during his time in Wales. However, he saw his game time dry up in this past campaign, and Phil Parkinson opted against extending his stay. Hayden had previous experience with Chelsea and Wolves at academy level before having loan spells away from the latter at Newport County and Bromley as a youngster, before first joining Carlisle United.
The Cumbrians’ recruitment last year wasn’t sufficient for them to compete at League One level. They need to learn from that experience, and acquiring Hayden seems to address their needs at first glance. Carlisle United will be aiming for an immediate promotion back to the third tier, and Hayden has proven himself at that level in the past.
