Pericard was released by Stoke City in the summer

Carlisle United striker Vincent Pericard has revealed the persistence of manager Greg Abbott played a key role in persuading him to join.

The Cameroon-born 26-year-old was released by Stoke City in the summer but opted to join Carlisle after a trial with Cardiff during the summer.

"The manager has been straight and truthful, very trustworthy, I felt good," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I'm very happy to be here, it's a new experience for me, something new."

The Cumbrians have been seeking a target-man to support their attacking options since the departure of Joe Garner to Nottingham Forest in July 2008, and had failed in attempts to sign players such as Grant Holt and Glenn Murray.

At 6ft 1in, Pericard represents an ideal match for that role and the former France under-21 international is confident that with the right backing from his team-mates, he can become a successful goalscorer in the Carlisle side.

"One of my qualities is finishing, and if I get the services from crosses from the centre or from midfield, then I will score goals as it's one of my qualities," he said.

"We'll have to work together and goals will come. Since I have been in England I've been played as a target man, I've got the physicality for it so it's not a problem for me."

Pericard started at St Etienne in France and joined Juventus in 2000, featuring in a Champions League tie for the Italian giants.

He joined Portsmouth in 2002 and helped them to promotion to the Premier League in his first season.

Injuries took their toll at Fratton Park, and in a bid to reclaim his place in the side he was sent out on loan to Plymouth Argyle and Sheffield United before joining former Argyle boss Tony Pulis at Stoke in 2006.

During his time at the Britannia Stadium Pericard also went on loan to Millwall and Southampton, before his release.

He spent time in prison in 2007 for trying to lie his way out of a speeding conviction.

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version