Here we go, we’re off again......

A new fixture list on the horizon and new faces through the door. Some promising signings who have done it at this level and seem pleased to be here. Two defenders and a forward, with (hopefully) more to come. In reverse order.....

Striker Gavin Reilly is Carlisle United's third summer signing.

The Dumfries-born player has joined the Blues on a one-year deal after his release from League One outfit Bristol Rovers.

Reilly, 27, was available after two years at the Memorial Stadium, with the frontman having had a loan spell with Cheltenham last season.

He has been training with Chris Beech's squad and his move was confirmed today.

The move marks a return to Brunton Park for a player who was on the Cumbrians' youth books more than a decade ago.

Rod McDonald is the second summer signing.

The former Northampton, Coventry and AFC Wimbledon man has signed a two-year deal with the Blues.

McDonald, 28, became the second new face confirmed by the Cumbrians today after the arrival of ex-Manchester United full-back George Tanner.

McDonald was available after being released by League One outfit Wimbledon, for whom he made 16 appearances last season.

Nicknamed ‘Concrete Rod’ by fans of his former clubs in respect of his physicality at the back, he will restore experience to United’s central defensive options after the summer departures of Byron Webster and Nathaniel Knight-Percival.

McDonald could partner newly-appointed vice-captain Aaron Hayden at the heart of Chris Beech’s defence in the 2020/21 campaign.

The Liverpool-born player has plenty of experience in Leagues One and Two and has enjoyed two promotions from United’s level.

Former Manchester United full-back George Tanner is the first summer signing.

The 20-year-old has signed a two-year deal at Brunton Park.

Tanner, who played against the Cumbrians whilst on loan at Morecambe last season, has been training with his new team-mates with United beginning what is expected to be a flurry of signing announcements this week.

He could be seen as a natural replacement in the squad for former first-choice right-back Gethin Jones, who turned down a new deal with the Blues, although Tanner can also operate on the left or further forward.

A product of Manchester United’s academy, former England under-17 international Tanner played for the top-flight club’s age group sides and in Premier League 2.

The Blackpool-born player was loaned to Morecambe last season and impressed in his 29 appearances there, including in the Shrimps’ two home games against Carlisle in the Leasing.com Trophy and League Two respectively.


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