Last updated 11:44, Tuesday, 29 July 2008

SO A busy couple of days of transfer activity at Carlisle United last week – one in, one out.

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A tale of two strikers - the return of the prodigal son, Michael Bridges offset by the sale of the precocious talent, Joe Garner.

Thousands of supporters will be ecstatic at the arrival of 'Wor Michael' on a season-long loan from Hull.

After joining the Brunton bandwagon from Bristol City in October 2004, Bridges was a talismanic figure, instrumental in the charge to the League Two championship, scoring some sublime goals and bringing the best out of his team-mates.

Let's hope that we can all enjoy a second helping of a match made in heaven the first time round.

It is no exaggeration to say that in my time supporting The Blues over the last three decades, that he is in my top three of the best players I have seen play for United along with Peter Beardsley and Matt Jansen.

Obviously, every fan will be sad to see the departure of Garner.

If he can recover fully from his awful injury, his potential is vast and no one can deny him the opportunity to play at a higher level and better his salary.

I am sure I am far from alone when I wish him well for his future career and say thanks for his efforts and the memories.

Only the harshest critics of the new regime at Brunton Park could criticise their transfer dealings surrounding Bridges and Garner.

Replacing one crowd favourite with another and securing almost £500,000 into the club coffers in the process represents excellent business.

John Ward has publicly stated that he is looking to add at least one more new face to the squad.

It is a fair possibility that Tyrone Cameron will become David Raven's deputy at right back. My hunch is that any further addition could be someone to provide further strength in depth on the right side of midfield.

It looks likely that Kevin Gall will be heading to pastures new.

It is a pity he didn't get much of a chance to play in his favoured position of centre forward. His pace was always a useful weapon and he could have been quite effective as an impact player in the closing stages of games.

Contrary to what some might say, I feel that the squad is looking strong and tight, and that the fight for starting berths is healthy.

It will be intriguing to see who wins the battles for the goalkeeping jersey, the centre half slots, the midfield roles and the places up front when the action gets underway at Bristol Rovers on a week on Saturday.

I'm sure JW has already stressed to the players that there are no untouchables automatically guaranteed a regular starting place irrespective of form and based on reputation alone.

Given the intense competition, it is good that no one can rest on their laurels.

Chris Ayers' column is in no way representative of the views of the management of the Beehive.