Paul Arnison

Early career

Born in Hartlepool, Arnison started his career at Newcastle United, where failed to make an appearance. He joined his hometown club Hartlepool United firstly on loan, then after joining on a permanent basis he scored on his home debut at Victoria Park.

Hartlepool United

During the 2001–02 season, Arnison was limited to 19 league games, but helped Hartlepool to reach the play-off semi-finals. Arnison scored his first goal of the season during the play-off semi-final second leg against Cheltenham Town. However, after the result finished 2–2 on aggregate, Arnison and Hartlepool were knocked out on penalties. During the summer, Arnison signed a contract extension, along with fellow defender Chris Westwood and top goalscorer Gordon Watson, to stay at Hartlepool for another season. Arnison was offered another deal at the end of the following season by new boss Mike Newell after Pools had secured promotion to Division Two.

Carlisle United

However, after just over three years with Hartlepool, he joined Carlisle United in October 2003 on a three-month loan. He signed a full contract with Carlisle at the end of this loan deal but was relegated with Carlisle to the Conference National in his first season but managed to secure back-to-back promotions to see Carlisle playing their football in League One in 2006. Arnison played more than 100 league and cup games for Carlisle signing new contract extensions at the end of the 2004–05 and 2005–06…

Arnison is married to Amanda, who works as a nurse practitioner and the couple have two sons; Harry and Alfie. Alfie previously captained Brisbane Roar FC Youth and currently plays in England for Blyth Spartans. He is related through marriage to the boxer Savannah Marshall.

Hartlepool United

Football League Third Division second-place promotion: 2002–03 Carlisle United

Football League Two: 2005–06 Football Conference play-offs: 2005 Football League Trophy runner-up: 2005–06 Darlington

FA Trophy: 2010–11