Carlisle United can confirm that Brentford stopper Jack Bonham has joined the club on a six-month loan deal which keeps him at Brunton Park until 1 January 2018.
Bonham, 23, came through the youth ranks with Watford and went on to make one appearance for his first club, in the final game of the 2012/13 season against Leeds United.
He enjoyed a two-month loan spell with Harrow Borough during his time with the Hornets, making nine appearances until a broken hand forced his return to his parent club.
He joined Brentford on a two-year permanent contract in the summer of 2013 and signed a further three-and-a-half year deal in January 2015 having impressed with his attitude and application.
A two-month loan spell with Arlesey Town in November 2014 brought 15 appearances and he also represented the Republic of Ireland uner-17 side during his younger days at Watford.
Manager Keith Curle said: “Jack is a young goalkeeper who was flagged up to us as a very good prospect. The only thing lacking for him now is games. He needs to create a profile for himself and we think we can be a stepping stone for him to go onto bigger and better things.
“He’s been training in some very good environments and what he needs now is to test himself and play first team football."
“The six-month loan means that, because of where we are logistically, if it isn’t right for him it gives him an opportunity to curtail it in January," he explained. "Likewise, if he doesn’t perform as I think he’s going to, then there's an opportunity for us to look elsewhere if needs be.
"However, we've brought him here because we don't think that will be the case at all. He needs to establish himself and he'll be competing for the number one jersey.
"He has all the attributes, he’s a good size and he's technically very good with his feet. I think that was probably one of the selling points for us, but also for him. We put demands on our goalkeepers because of our style of play and we see this as a natural progression for Jack."
Jack Bonham's home and away shirts are now available to sponsor. Contact Katie Mitchell in the Commercial Department on 01228 554 155 or email katie.mitchell@carlisleunited.co.uk for more details.
