Goalkeeper Adam Collin joined United from Blue Square North side Workington in the summer of 2009 on a two-year deal.

The Carlisle-born stopper began his career as a youngster at Blackburn Rovers but it was at north east side Newcastle United that he began his professional career after serving his YTS apprenticeship on Tyneside.

He spent two years as a professional at St James' Park, where his team-mates included Republic of Ireland international Shay Given and current United goalkeeper coach Tony Caig, but didn't make any first team appearances despite several appearances on the bench.

Loan spells at Oldham Athletic and Doncaster Rovers followed, with the latter spell leading to a permanent move after his release by the Magpies.

His spell at Doncaster was brief and after his departure from the Yorkshire club, he returned to Cumbria to sign for then Unibond Premier side Workington Reds. Initially brought in as cover, he went on to establish himself as first choice with a string of impressive performances for the Borough Park side.

An almost ever-present in the Reds side during his five-year spell with the club, he helped the club win promotion to the Blue Square North with some superb penalty shoot-out saves in a play-off final against Farsley Celtic.

After impressive scouting reports on his performances for Reds, he was given the chance to train with Carlisle United on a weekly basis in December 2008. His performance in those training sessions, along with continuing good displays for Reds were enough to secure the offer of a permanent contract at the end of the 08/09 season.

Starting the season as second choice to fellow new signing Lenny Pidgeley, Adam had to bide his time for his chance and it eventually came to him in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round at Morecambe.

It was apt that his first chance would come in the competition as it turned out to be a competition he enjoyed some of his best performances in. That evening saw United draw 2-2 at Christie Park with Adam the hero in the resulting penalty shoot-out, saving two of the hosts' efforts from 12 yards to send United into the next round.

Two further JPT appearances followed before Adam was handed his Football League debut for the trip to MK Dons in October 2009. United ran out 4-3 winners after an exciting game and despite conceding three, Adam impressed enough to keep hold of the starting place which he would retain for the rest of the season.

There were plenty more highlights during the campaign for Adam, including a trip to Everton in the FA Cup third round and another brilliant penalty saving display in the JPT Northern Area final against Leeds United, helping The Blues towards their first ever trip to the new Wembley Stadium.

While the 4-1 defeat to Southampton in the final was a disappointment for the club, Adam earned plenty of plaudits for his performance in the game which led to him being awarded the "Wembley Man of the Match" award at the end of season awards night, capping off an impressive first season at the club and earning himself an one-year extension onto his existing contract.

Under contract until the summer of 2013.

Adam is sponsored by Bruce and Kathryn Vander Taylor.

For more details on our Player and Coaching Staff sponsors for the 2011/12 season, click here.