Ex-Carlisle United man's part in new signing's move to Blues

The former Morecambe and Charlton Athletic defender last week became the Blues’ fourth summer signing.

And Lavelle was represented in talks with the Blues by his agent Danny Naisbitt.

If the 44-year-old is a vaguely familiar name to United’s fans, that’s because he was – briefly – a Blues player.

A former goalkeeper, Naisbitt was on Carlisle’s books in the 2002/3 season.

He was part of the squad under Roddy Collins early in United’s first campaign after John Courtenay’s takeover from Michael Knighton.

Danny Naisbitt, back row fourth from right, in United's 2002/3 squad (Image: News & Star)

The Bishop Auckland-born keeper had joined on loan from Barnet to provide competition for United’s then-No1 Peter Keen.

He managed a couple of appearances that season – one in a 3-1 League Cup defeat at Rotherham United, and another in a 3-1 Division Three reverse at Scunthorpe United.

After joining in late August, he was on the bench for further games against Bristol Rovers, Darlington, Exeter City, Rochdale, Hull City and Boston United.

Naisbitt’s time with the Blues proved short-lived in the end as, after a month in Cumbria, he returned to Barnet, going on to play regularly for the Bees in their Conference season.

Naisbitt, who had been on Middlesbrough’s youth books and a young pro at Walsall, had further spells in the Football League with Brentford, Cambridge United and Brighton & Hove Albion.

His career also saw a number of non-league moves, while he is now a registered intermediary with agency World In Motion.

Naisbitt took to social media to wish Lavelle well after his move to Brunton Park from The Valley on a two-year deal last week.

“Good luck @samlavelle5 @officialcufc, thanks to @cafcofficial pleasure to deal with ⚽️,” he wrote.

The 26-year-old made his first Carlisle appearance in last Friday's 2-1 pre-season friendly win at Annan Athletic.