Carlisle United academy chief Eric Kinder has revealed how his predecessor refused to release Jarrad Branthwaite.

Branthwaite is now a first teamer with Everton, but it could've been very different if not for the faith shown by former Carlisle youth chief Darren Edmondson.

Kinder recalled to the Liverpool Echo: "Darren said no and stuck his neck out.

"Jarrad was such a quiet lad you didn't even know he was there so all the credit must go to Darren Edmondson. It's incredible. Jarrad could have been gone at 14, 15-years-old."

Kinder reels off two dates.

"August 11, 2019," he says.. "Carlisle United under-18s vs Blackpool u-18s. Jarrad Branthwaite plays for us.

"July 2020, he is starting in the Premier League for Everton....unbelievable."