Defender returns to Northampton

Clarke Carlisle has returned to Northampton, signing a short-term loan deal to pen a permanent deal in the new year.

The defender played for The Cobblers last season in a loan capacity but joined York in the summer, signing a short-term contract until the end of 2012.

Carlisle, as he told BBC Radio Northampton, was prepared to stay with York until the end of his contract before moving onto The Cobblers but York boss Gary Mills thought it best he left now so he can plan his own next move.

As such the 33-year-old has signed on loan for Northampton for the remainder of the year with a permanent deal being signed in January: 'Aidy offered me a contract from January moving forward. Gary Mills has helped expedite that.

'I don't think it's odd. I said to Gary, 'please don't question my commitment and effort'.

'I'll still give my all in the meantime. He said he now needs to make plans for the rest of the season and it will be better for him to do that now moving forward.'

The PFA chairman, with Carlisle balancing that role with his footballing career, has played 14 times for York this season and whilst I admire his stance, and I am sure he would have been commitment to his contracted club until 2013, it's probably best for all concerned that he made his move now as he has.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.