Last updated 21:25, Wednesday, 14 May 2008

FORMER Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson is set to swoop for axed Blues starlet Stephen Hindmarch.

Stephen Hindmarch

Simpson, now manager of League Two side Shrewsbury, has been alerted to the Keswick-born player’s availability after his shock release from Brunton Park last week.

Simpson was boss at United when 18-year-old Hindmarch was coming through the youth ranks and always held the attacking midfielder in high regard.

The New Meadow chief is prepared to offer the talented youngster a one-year professional deal in Shropshire, as he rebuilds the Shrews squad for a promotion push next season.

Hindmarch was also understood to be a big fan of Simpson during his time at the Blues helm, but any move would depend on the young player’s willingness to leave behind his Cumbrian roots. The teenager is believed to be travelling to Shropshire for talks this week.

Simpson recently released five senior professionals as he prepares for the 2008/9 season at Shrewsbury, where he took charge in March, four months after his dismissal at Preston.

Hindmarch has also been interesting Barrow and Workington Reds after his departure from Carlisle.

Youth coach Eric Kinder recently contacted Reds boss Darren Edmondson about Hindmarch, and the former United favourite is keen to run the rule over the youngster.

Hindmarch, who scored a memorable winner against Manchester United in last season’s FA Youth Cup, was released because United coaches felt he had not shown enough desire to become a professional footballer.

The player, who had been coveted by a string of Premier League clubs, was released along with Matthew Brown and Matthew Wood, while fellow second-year youth player Dan Wordsworth was given a one-year pro deal.