Career
He played in The Football League for four clubs. Carling began his professional career with Leeds United. He joined them in 1956 but had to wait until 1960-1961 for his league debut.
He made just five league appearances and played one Football League Cup tie while at Elland Road and moved to Lincoln City in July 1962 on a free transfer.
After two years of regular football for the Imps, Carling joined Walsall and more than 100 league appearances for the Saddlers before switching to Chester in December 1966. During Carling’s time at Chester, he helped them reach the Welsh Cup final against Cardiff City in May 1970, marking the end of a season in which he played all 59 first–team matches for the club
He left Chester a year later with a testimonial against Wrexham. After leaving Chester, Carling joined non–league side Macclesfield Town and worked as a milkman in Chester.