Malcolm Poskett made 186 appearances for United (11 as substitute) and scored a total of 60 goals.

He had two spells at the club before retiring from the game in 1988. He quickly became a huge favourite with the fans, taking over the duties of the number 9 shirt from 'Pop' Robson, and fulfilling the role beautifully. His eye for goal and constant movement were a joy to behold, and his name soon became a regular entry on the scoresheet.

Born in Middlesborough on 19th July 1953, Poskett was quick to make his mark in both schoolboys and local league football in the area. He was offered a place at Ayresome Park in 1974 and was proud to accept, hoping this was the beginning of his career. It wasn't to be, and Middlesborough took the decision to release the youngster after just one first team appearance, believing that he didn't quite have what it takes to play the game full time.

Poskett then signed for Whitby Town and, it's fair to say, set the place alight. Hartlepool United had their scouts on full alert, and Poskett did not disappoint. He knocked in 90 goals in just two seasons, and Hartlepool approached Whitby to see what kind of deal could be brokered. Tense negotiations followed, until Poskett was allowed to sign in exchange for a new strip. He spent two good years at Hartlepool, completing his second season as the club's top scorer. His ball control and goal scoring feats were making other teams sit up and watch, and it came as no surprise when Brighton bought him for £60,000 in February 1978. This, as a matter of interest, was the highest fee Hartlepool would receive for a player for over a decade to follow. He spent another good two years with Brighton at the Goldstone Ground, helping them to Division One in 1979.

In early 1980 Graham Taylor, who would go on to manage England, paid £120,000 to take Poskett's services to Watford. Illness and injury prevented Malcolm from really fulfilling his potential at Vicarage Road, and he left the club just after they had gained promotion to Division One.

It was Bob Stokoe, manager at Carlisle at the time, who felt that Poskett would bring something extra to the United attack. He persuaded the board to part with £25,000 in August 1982, and the 29 year old made his way to Brunton Park. His impact was immediate. He scored on his debut, a 3-0 away win at the Baseball Ground, Derby County, and scored all four goals in the amazing 4-1 home victory against Crystal Palace on 18 September 1982. In October 1983 he became the only Carlisle player to ever score four goals away from home. Derby County were again on the receiving end of this 4-1 defeat.

Things turned a bit sour as Stokoe seemed to be allowing good players to leave, and the team that had been pushing for promotion and playing delightful football found itself struggling throughout the season of 1984/85. Things came to a head in the summer of 1985 when a dispute between Stokoe and Poskett led to the popular striker being placed on the transfer list. Darlington were fastest out of the blocks and Poskett found himself plying his trade at Feethams the following season. He had short spells with both Stockport, and back with Hartlepool where his career had taken off, before making a welcome return to Carlisle for the start of the 1986/87 season. Harry Gregg had taken over and had no second thoughts about bringing Poskett back in to the fold. The team struggled badly at the foot of the Third Division and even Poskett's commitment could not prevent the inevitable drop in to Division Four. For the team it went from bad to worse, finishing second from bottom in the 87/88 season, though Poskett still managed to finish as top scorer with 12 goals. This proved to be Malcolm's last season with the club, as he took the difficult decision to retire at the relatively young age of 34.