Midfielder Russell Penn extends his stay in the north east
Carlisle United can confirm that midfielder Russell Penn has extended his stay with Conference play-off chasers Gateshead which keeps him in the north-east until 26 December 2016.The experienced central midfielder joined Gateshead on an initial one-month loan deal at the end of September and has made four appearances so far.
Manager Keith Curle said: “He’s a fantastic professional and he brought a level of experience and good character to the squad when we signed him in the summer.
“The only thing lacking for him with us was minutes on the pitch. He’s getting that with Gateshead and he’s enjoying it. It was difficult for him here at the start of the season because he’d been a ready starter at York and in previous campaigns.
“He came to this club ready to impress but he hasn’t been given the game time. He’s getting that at the moment and it can only benefit us.”
“I spoke to Russell and he’s kept an eye on what we’re doing," he continued. "He’s seen that we’re functioning and he’s enjoying the fact he’s getting 90 minutes every week.
"The good thing about this move is that we know we have a very good professional we can call on if and when we need him."
Penn signed a one-year deal with Carlisle in June 2016 which keeps him at Brunton Park until at least the summer of 2017.
He started his career with Kidderminster Harriers and was most recently with York City, before making the trip across to Cumbria in the summer. He has made two appearances for the club this season.
Penn is now subject to normal recall procedures associated with short-term loan deals.
