An experienced, influential midfielder who joined on loan from Accrington Stanley in November 2007, the Liverpudlian's career began at Blackpool and he also played for Rochdale before joining Chester City in March 2000, shortly before they were relegated out of the League.

Carden played over 200 games and was captain when Chester won the Conference in 2004 and Player of the Season the year after, then spent a year with Peterborough (Player of the Season again) before joining Burton in October 2006.

A big success during his six months with the Brewers, in May 2007 he captained The England National Game XI then returned to the Football League when joining Accrington Stanley, but his debut was delayed until September by a calf injury and he was restricted to just four first team appearances.

Accrington's loss became United's gain when he joined on loan and was a key player in the second half of the season, culminating in a second place finish and Play-off Final defeat at Wembley. 'Cardy' returned to Accrington at the end of the season but made a welcome return in July when new manager Gary Brabin named him as his player-assistant, having played alongside him at Blackpool and Chester.

An outstanding season as captain included his first U's goal against Oxford in January, a curling shot at the Newmarket Road End that earned the Setanta 'Goal of the Month' accolade and was also voted our 'Goal of the Season', but ended in disappointment with another Play-off Final defeat.

A summer of upheaval saw Brabin leave the club and Carden act as caretaker manager until Martin Ling was appointed, during which time he also signed a new three-year deal as player-assistant manager.