Forward Derek Asamoah has left Carlisle United with the best wishes of the fans and manager Keith Curle.

The ex-Mansfield boss said: “Derek is an excellent professional and he’s been a pleasure to work with. He came to the club at a time when we needed help and he was part of the reason why fortunes started to change for us. I think the fans have appreciated the effort and commitment he showed us.”

Asamoah’s goal record is not the best and other players may be technically superior. The form of Charlie Wyke, Jabo Ibehre and Shaun Miller, forwards part of the second highest-scoring team in League Two, has seen Asamoah slip down the pecking order and ultimately released after his short-term deal expired.

However, he retains pace and energy as well as a positive attitude that has helped the improvement in morale at Carlisle during his Brunton Park career. At a declining club like Notts County or Leyton Orient, where young managers must coax a stronger work ethic out of an expensively assembled squad, Asamoah could contribute. If he, at 35 years of age, is one of the quickest players on the pitch, then younger performers have no excuse not to match his work rate.

He has experienced different cultures. Having played football in seven different countries, he will relate to people from different backgrounds and can be a unifying figure in a dressing room. Asamoah may not be able to play to his best in two 90 minute games per week, but he proved at Carlisle that he can be a useful player to bring off the bench and change a match.

For any bottom half side in need of both pace, leadership and an option from the bench, signing Asamoah on at least short term deal could pay dividends.

Tags: Asamoah, League, Two Clubs