A look at the latest news and rumours from around Carlisle United’s division…

JABO HELPS CURLE

Keith Curle has revealed how he called on his former Carlisle United striker Jabo Ibehre to help his top striker at Hartlepool United.

The Monkey Hangers’ boss says he put Josh Umerah in touch with Jabo Ibehre at a time he was making extra demands on the frontman.

“Josh is one of the players who has taken on board the statistical data that we’ve been able to supply to him. It wasn’t high enough,” Curle told The Hartlepool Mail.

"I got him in contact with Jabo Ibehre who was an ex-centre-forward of mine who was coming to the latter stages of his career and, at the time, he went through victim mode thinking I was always on his case.

"But he had his best two goal season returns under me and probably prolonged his career under me. After [Josh] came to see me for a little bit of clarity asking if he wasn’t doing enough I said no, but you can do more.”

PROMOTION-CHASERS SIGN EX-CITY MAN

In-form Stockport County have added former Manchester City midfielder Jacob Davenport to their squad.

The 24-year-old, who came through City’s academy, has signed a short-term deal at Edgeley Park after recently leaving Lincoln City.

“Jacob adds further depth the holding midfield area and gives natural balance, being left footed,” County director of football Simon Wilson told the Stockport website.

EX-BLUES MAN’S LONG-AWAITED DEBUT

Former Carlisle United midfielder Joe Riley made his belated Walsall debut in their draw with Newport County.

Riley came off the bench in the second half after seven months out with injury.

Saddlers box Michael Flynn told the club website: “We’ve missed him, he’s a very good player. It’s going to take a bit of time for him to get up to speed but that first 25 minutes is in the bank now, so I’m pleased for him.”

COBBLERS TRY TO NAIL BETTER FORM

Carlisle United’s promotion rivals Northampton Town have held “honest conversations” over their stuttering form.

That is according to midfielder Marc Leonard after the Cobblers lost 2-1 at home to Grimsby Town on Saturday to remain fourth.

“It's something we tend to do – to get it out in the open as soon as we can,” Leonard told the Chronicle & Echo. “We are all big enough and old enough to have those honest conversations with each other.” Northampton midfielder Ben Fox, meanwhile, is an injury concern after being spotted on crutches before the game.

ANNOYED MELLON BLASTS ROVERS

Tranmere Rovers boss Micky Mellon blasted his side after poor defending cost them against Mansfield Town.

The Stags won 2-0 at Prenton Park.

And Mellon, as reported by the Wirral Globe, said afterwards: “I can understand why the fans are p***ed off because I’m p***ed off, and it’s hard to explain how you feel when you see the goals that you give away impact what it is you’re trying to do.

“We all work very hard on our defensive play and I’ve seen some stuff there that just isn’t good enough at this level.”

STRIKER RETURN BOOSTS MARINERS

Experienced striker Ryan Taylor gave Grimsby Town a boost with his first outing since October.

The former Plymouth man returned as a sub in the Mariners’ win at Northampton after being sidelined with a torn hamstring.

“He wasn’t quite sure what to do when he got out there because it has been a little while, and I think he joked before saying that the tags were still on his shirt!” joked boss Paul Hurst to GrimsbyLive. “It’s great to have him back and great for him to be back out there.”

ZIGOR HEADING FOR LEEDS?

Former Carlisle United star Zigor Aranalde could be set for a return to English football.

Ex-Watford and Valencia boss Javi Gracia, who Aranalde has assisted at several clubs, is widely reported as favourite for the Leeds United job.

That could see former Blues League Two title winner Aranalde – who last worked alongside Gracia at Qatari outfit Al-Sadd – back on these shores in a Premier League post.