JOSH Dixon has released a statement thanking Carlisle United's players and staff as he departs the club. 

In a statement released on the club's website on Tuesday, May 30, it was confirmed that Carlisle-born Dixon would be released by the Blues. 

Dixon joined the club's academy when he was nine years old and worked his way up through the ranks before earning a two-year professional contract in July 2019. 

However, the promising midfielder's Carlisle career has been marred by knee problems, with Dixon being forced to recover from three cruciate ligament injuries with the latest of these coming in a reserve game in April 2022.

Following his release from the club, Dixon thanked the Carlisle staff and players for all their support during his time with the Blues in a social media statement.

He said: "Unfortunately my time at Carlisle United has come to an end, after 15 years at the club I can’t thank all the players and staff enough for helping me through some of the hardest times of my life, but what a way to end by getting promoted at Wembley."

Despite these injuries hampering the young midfielder developing career at Carlisle, he became a popular figure within the Blues dressing room, with this being apparent by the outpouring of support from fans and teammates following his release. 

Fellow Carlisle-born midfielder and United star Owen Moxon said: "What a player and even better lad, time for you to go and show everyone how good you are.

"So unfortunate with injuries but back fitter than ever, it’s your time now.

"Proud of you."