Keith Curle emotional as Carlisle spell ends with draw against Newport

Posted Sunday, May 06, 2018 by PA

Keith Curle admitted it was an emotional last day as Carlisle manager as his time in charge at Brunton Park ended witha 1-1 draw against Newport.

Curle made the decision to move on after three-and-a-half years in charge to find new challenges.

Mike Ellis’ early header looked like making it a winning finale for his manager, but Newport hit back before half-time with a goal from Padriag Amond, his 15th of the season.

Curle said: “I felt the decision to continue elsewhere was the right thing for me. It is the right time to go out and find the next challenge. I will be looking for a job and new opportunities.

“I have been here three seasons and we have over-achieved. Sometimes the time is right for both parties to leave with pride, passion and understanding on a continued journey.

“The future is in someone else’s hands. It is very important that the foundations and pillars are in place for the club to build on.

“There have been a lot of distractions over the last two or three weeks.

“I spoke to the players at the end and told them they had represented themselves and the shirt very well.”

Curle has already been linked with a number of managerial jobs.

He added: “Out of respect for the chairman, no decision on my future has been made yet.

“I have never shied away from challenges and my next job will have challenges. I’ve put my heart and soul into this club – it’s a fantastic city and a fantastic club to work for.”

Jamie Devitt and Clint Hill both hit the woodwork in the second half, but in the end a draw seemed a fair outcome for two sides whose play-off hopes were over before their final day meeting.

Newport manager Mike Flynn said: “For the first 15 minutes both teams were, let’s say, not very intense, but they picked it up and I thought the players were excellent and gave a very professional performance.

“They are a good bunch and wanted to give the fans something to remember from the last game. It has been a good season with a lot of highs and not too many lows.

The County manager said he was “keen to move quickly” to tie up some new signings.

“It’s not easy, but I am very keen. I want to get some of our targets in,” he said.

“As for next season I don’t want to get carried away. A top-half finish is a great achievement. It’s a credit to the staff, the players and the fans.”