Ryan Edmondson has sent a heartfelt parting message to Carlisle United after leaving the Blues.

The striker departed United yesterday by mutual consent amid interest from Australian club Central Coast Mariners.

Edmondson paid tribute to Carlisle and their fans for how they have treated him during his season-and-a-half in Cumbria.

In an emotional post on Instagram the 22-year-old said: "The city and team that became a home, I want to thank each and every last one of you for my time here at the club.

"Everyone from the manager and coaching staff to my team-mates and all the backroom staff, I want to thank you for welcoming me and creating this family we have built.

"It has been nothing less than an honour to share my time at the club with you and we’ve had some amazing times along the way!



"I want to thank the fans, from day one you’ve accepted me at my highs and my lows and being able to play in front of your support every week has been something special, I have created soo many memories with you that I will never forget!

"I will always hold this club very close to my heart and I wish you nothing but success in the futuređź’™"

Edmondson, it was confirmed yesterday by Paul Simpson, had asked to leave United in order to pursue an opportunity in Australia.

Central Coast Mariners, whose head coach is Edmondson's former Leeds United Under-23s coach Mark Jackson, appears his likely destination.

The centre-forward leaves the Cumbrians after 53 appearances and seven goals.

Among the high points of his time at Brunton Park was a successful penalty in May's League Two play-off final shoot-out victory over Stockport County.

Last term he also netted against Shrewsbury Town, Leyton Orient, Harrogate Town, Walsall, Sutton United, Swindon Town with his solitary League One goal this term coming against Northampton Town.