Carlisle United's Corey Whelan 'snubbed incredible League Two offer'

United’s manager said Whelan was offered a deal by another League Two club which would have seen him earn more money than he is on at Brunton Park.

But Simpson said the dependable defender wanted to stay and play his part in Carlisle’s promotion challenge.

Whelan came in for his first start in four months last night and produced an impressive display in the 2-2 draw against Stockport County.

Simpson, in praising the 25-year-old’s performance, also paid tribute to Whelan's loyalty.

“He was made an incredible offer in January,” Simpson said.

“He was offered more money to go, but he said, ‘No, this is where I want to stay – I’ve been here this far and I want to see it through, and whenever you call upon me I’ll try and make sure I’m ready’.

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“It was a League Two club. It wouldn’t be fair for me to say who. But he chose to stay and thankfully he’s been able to come out and perform for us in this game.

Corey Whelan could have left United in January, Paul Simpson says (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I thought he was excellent.”

Simpson said he gave Whelan the opportunity to consider the January offer and try and secure a longer-term deal, “because I wasn’t prepared to guarantee anything in January”.

But the ex-Liverpool man’s decision to stay was to Carlisle’s benefit last night as he came in for Ben Barclay, who was unable to play against his parent club.

Simpson added: “Over the season he’s done really well, he’s a real top, top character.

“I thought he did really well [against Stockport], especially in the second half when I’ve put him and Hunts [Paul Huntington] as a two centre-back pairing, up against Jack Stretton and then [sub] Isaac Olaofe, I thought they stuck to it really well, and credit to him, that’s because he’s s good pro and goes about his business in the right way.”

Simpson will have Barclay back available for Saturday’s trip to Barrow.