Derek Asamoah must prove fitness to win permanent Carlisle United deal

Published on: 30 October 2014
Derek Asamoah must prove fitness to win permanent Carlisle United deal
Derek Asamoah

Keith Curle insists he won’t offer Derek Asamoah a permanent deal based on two cameo appearances for Carlisle United even if he risks losing the fans’ new favourite.

Asamoah has scored two goals in two games, including a 90th-minute winner in Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Oxford United, but still hasn’t done enough to earn a longer deal.

Curle believes other clubs will be alerted by the 33-year-old’s availability but isn’t prepared to rush into a decision as he believes there is still more to come from the former Ghana international.

Asamoah is unable to start games because of a hamstring injury and the United boss, who previously signed the player for Mansfield and Chester, wants him to get fully fit before deciding on his long-term future.

“I can’t offer a contract to a player to be a bit-part player – and Derek doesn’t want that either,” said Curle.

“He wants a little bit of stability and longevity but, to get it, he needs to show he can play a full part. The more time he has on the pitch, the more goals he scores and the better he plays, the more will come his way. It’s win, win for him.

“I’m mindful of the fact that other people will be looking at Derek and know he is on a short-term contract.

“I told him I would give him a platform to showcase his ability. He’s been earning money by doing that because his contract is incentivised so, if he scores and does well, he gets more money.”

The former Northampton and Shrewsbury striker, who has spent the last three years playing in South Korea, came off the bench to fire Carlisle’s third goal on his debut in the 4-3 defeat to Burton Albion last midweek.

Asamoah is doing everything right in his bid to earn a longer deal, but Curle believes there is still more to come from the Accra-born player.

“I know him really well and I signed him in the past when he was a hell of a lot fitter than he is now,” added the Blues boss.

“He’s not in bad condition but he is a finely tuned athlete and, because he hasn’t been playing, he has become de-conditioned.

“Because of his hamstring, I can’t get 60 or 70 minutes out of him, but I can get 15-20 minutes. He’s an explosive player who will frighten the life out of teams in this division when he is fit.”

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website.
Learn more