Carlisle United are delighted to confirm that striker Lewis Alessandra and vice-captain Aaron Hayden have had contract clauses activated which keeps them at Brunton Park for the 2021/22 campaign.
Forward Alessandra, 32, made career appearance number 500 last week, and joined the Blues during the January 2020 transfer window.
He has scored nine goals in 56 appearances for United, with 46 of those appearances coming this term.
Defender Aaron Hayden, 24, was a summer 2019 recruit and has scored eight goals in his 70 appearances with the club.
An almost ever-present since the arrival of manager Chris Beech in November 2019, he was handed the vice-captain’s role this season, and has stepped up to captain the team when required.
Director of football David Holdsworth said: “I had a really good chat with Aaron today and I would love him to stay at this club for even longer, beyond the duration of next season.
“We might be looking to extend this after some further talks, when the time is right, but the important thing is that in the meantime he’ll be here for next year, with us having taken up this option in his current contract.”
“Lewis is an experienced and very good professional,” he continued. “He’s been very good for us from the moment he arrived and we’re delighted he’s on board for next season.
“At the age of 32 he looks after himself very well. He sets a fantastic example and he’s a positive influence in the dressing room and out on the pitch.”
“I’m really pleased to have another two completed and agreed,” he concluded. “It follows on from the excellent news we had yesterday, with Josh Dixon and Taylor Charters activated by us for a further spell.
“They are Carlisle products, and we feel they have bright futures ahead of them. Along with that there was Joe Riley, who has the potential to be a real favourite if he continues the way he’s going.
“He has all of the attributes and he’s another with a good, strong character. Jack Armer is developing exactly the way Chris said he would, and we’re all seeing the benefit of that.
“It’s good news for us, for the players and the fans, and hopefully we’ll have more to come in the near future.”
We’ll have more reaction to this news on the official website later this week.