Carlisle United have confirmed that Chris Conn-Clarke will remain at Brunton Park until the end of the season after agreeing an extension to his loan from Peterborough United.
The 24-year-old midfielder originally joined the Cumbrians in early October, with his initial agreement due to expire at the end of January. That deal has now been extended through to the conclusion of the 2025-26 campaign, subject to the usual ratification from the FA, EFL and National League.
Conn-Clarke has made 11 appearances since arriving in Cumbria, featuring across both the Enterprise National League and the Emirates FA Cup. While his spell has been disrupted by injury since December, Carlisle have been keen to retain a player they view as a key creative option during the run-in.
Head coach Mark Hughes welcomed the news, highlighting the impact Conn-Clarke has already made despite limited availability.
“We’re really pleased that Chris will remain with us for the rest of the season,” Hughes said.
“Since arriving, he’s shown exactly the quality and composure we knew he could bring to the group, both in training and on matchdays.
He’s settled in well and has already made a positive impact, and we’re looking forward to continuing our work together over the coming months.”
Carlisle’s head of football operations Marc Tierney stressed the importance of continuity at this stage of the season, framing the extension as part of a wider strategy rather than a short-term fix.
“Extending Chris’ loan was very much in line with our approach of refining and strengthening what we already have,” Tierney explained.
“He understands our way of working, has settled into the group, and continues to show the hunger and quality we look for.
Keeping him with us gives continuity at a key point in the season and supports our aim of being successful now while maintaining stability within the squad.”
Prior to his injury setback, Conn-Clarke had begun to show flashes of the form that earned him National League Player of the Year honours with Altrincham in 2023-24, a campaign that ultimately secured his move to Peterborough United.
Carlisle will now hope he can return to fitness quickly and play a decisive role during the final months of the season, as they look to build momentum with a settled and familiar squad.
✍️ Carlisle United are delighted to announce that Chris Conn-Clarke’s loan deal from Peterborough United has been extended until the end of the season.
— Carlisle United (@officialcufc) January 7, 2026
Underlying numbers
Based on his underlying numbers, Conn-Clarke has been quietly influential when fit. In 591 minutes of National League action, he has registered one goal and four assists, with an expected goals figure of 0.95 that reflects his tendency to create as much as finish chances himself.
He is heavily involved in Carlisle’s build-up play, completing 278 passes at a 75.9% success rate, while also attempting 37 long passes and 17 crosses, underlining his role as a link player rather than a pure runner beyond the forwards. Conn-Clarke has been active on the ball, completing 56.7% of his dribbles. Off the ball, he has made 104 recoveries, with 44% coming in the opposition half, numbers that point to both work rate and tactical discipline within Hughes’ system.
This is huge news for Carlisle as they hunt an immediate return to the EFL. There is no doubt Conn-Clarke has the ability to play top-end League Two, maybe higher, and his extended loan severely strengthens the Cumbrians’ promotion push.
For Posh, it means a player accruing value who is not seen as part of Luke Williams’ plans. That could lead to an increased sale value in the summer, creating a win/win situation. He might even impress enough to return to London Road as part of their plans next season.