Former Carlisle United defender Ian Harte has thanked Cumbrians boss Greg Abbott after he completed his move to Reading. Harte joined the Royals on transfer deadline day in a surprise move and was quick to thank Abbott for rejuvenating his career at Brunton Park.

He said: "The move really came from nowhere but I have to be honest and say that it is nice to see a club at that level showing an interest.

"They are a big club who were in the Premier League just a few years ago. They are in the Championship and the chance to go and play at that level again was one I didn't want to miss.

"The difficult part was that I have really enjoyed my time at Carlisle. Greg Abbott has really looked after me and he was willing to give me a chance to get myself back into the game at a point when I didn't have a club.

"I can't thank him enough for that."