Local lad Ryan Bowman signed his first professional deal with the club in the summer of 2010 after an impressive season at both youth and reserve level.

The Carlisle-born forward joined the club on a YTS contract in 2008 having previously been a part of the Centre of Excellence. He hit top form in his second season at youth level and started to find the net on a regular basis, scoring 22 goals to make him the clear top scorer for the U18s.

After also impressing at reserve level, the United management decided to allow Ryan to go on work experience with Blue Square North side Workington Reds.

He impressed during his brief spell at the West Cumbrian club, making 9 league appearances and scoring 2 goals which helped Reds towards the play-offs at the end of the season.

His spell with Reds was brought to a premature end when he was recalled by United to help in an injury crisis ahead of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy final against Southampton at Wembley. Although Ryan did not feature in the matchday sixteen that day, he did get to experience travelling with the squad for the weekend.

Just days after the final, Ryan was offered his first professional deal and for the following home league game against Bristol Rovers he was named among the substitues. He was brought on in the 89th minute to make his first team debut and went on to make a total of six league appearances by the end of the campaign.

He impressed during his first full pre-season in 2010, scoring with a superb long-range effort in a friendly win over Darlington and with an eye for goal, is likely to be one to watch for the future.

Under contract until the summer of 2011.

Ryan is sponsored by Brian McKenna from Burnley.

For more details on our Player and Coaching Staff sponsors for the 2010/11 season, click here.