Spud, 2nd from the left, front row, in a CUFC representational team in 1943

It is with great regret that we inform you that former United utility player, Eric Hayton, has passed away at a Care Home here in Carlisle.

Hayton (84) was officially brought in to the club by Howard Harkness at the end of the Second World War and spent just under 5 years at Brunton Park, making a total of 53 appearances and scoring 5 goals along the way. However, this only tells half the tale as Hayton, who worked the railways as part of the war effort, had played regularly for United throughout the war years, receiving a guest appearance of 30 shillings for each game he played.

One of the first organised games to be played at Brunton Park after the war was a friendly against Lincoln City, in which an impressive centre half called Dick Young played for the Imps, but even he couldn't contain the lively Hayton on that day as the nippy wide man popped up to net the winner in the closing stages of the 1-0 win.

Young manager Ivor Broadis kept Hayton, affectionately known as 'Spud', as a vital part of his Division Three North side for the 1946 / 47 season, and introduced him to first team football in October 1946 in the 5-1 demolition of Hartlepools in front of 10775 fans here at Brunton Park. Hayton would score one of the goals from out wide on the right in that match, with Broadis claiming a hat-trick for himself.

Two further goals followed in that campaign, though Hayton was used sparingly as United struggled to a 16th spot finish.

8 more appearances followed in the 1947 / 48 season, and he would score his last goal for the club in the February 1948, 2-0 home win over Chester City.

Spudo really came in to his own under the stewardship of Boss Bill Shankly, playing the last 8 games of the 1949 / 50 season at the heart of the defence for the inspirational manager. 22 more outings followed through 1950 / 51, before Hayton joined Rochdale in May 1951.

He would return to Carlisle when his playing days were over, living on Peel Street, and became a porter at the Cumberland Infirmary. A regular of many of the social establishments in the Caldewgate and surrounding areas, he would share tales of dressing room incidents and last minute winners with United fans old and young. Describing himself as a typical centre half, it should be noted that he was used in a variety of positions by both clubs (mostly outside right), and was never found to be lacking either for talent or commitment.

On a personal note, Spudo was a close friend of the family, and the thoughts of everyone are with his family and loved ones at this time.