Carlisle United have today signed defender Gethin Jones on a short-term contract which keeps him at Brunton Park until January 2020.
The Australian-born 23-year-old, who has represented Wales up to under-21 level, joined the Everton academy at the age of 12 and had loan spells with Plymouth and Barnsley whilst with the Toffees.
He moved to join Fleetwood during the January 2018 transfer window and went on to play 19 games for the Cod Army.
A loan move to Mansfield in January saw him spend the second half of last season with the Stags where he made 17 appearances.
Manager Steven Pressley said: “He’s a versatile player. His best position is full back, but he can fill a number of positions.
“He’s strong, athletic and he has good pace. He’s a good character, and I think at this moment in time, until several of our younger players reach the standards we hope they will, he’ll give us additional support until at least January, and possibly beyond.
“He brings competition to the group, which is something we need. We’re a squad which is quite thin on the ground and we are reliant on our younger players. I think it’s evident that they need a little bit longer to develop, and Gethin fits the profile we’re looking for.”
“He’s young and hungry, but he’s also got good experience after playing for Mansfield in the second half of last season in a team that nearly gained promotion,” he conitnued. “He’s a good fit for us at this moment and he’s been with us for a week or so now, and he’s fit in well.
“Nathan [Rooney] knew his situation at Fleetwood and I also spoke to Barry Nicholson there. He’s kept himself at a good level of fitness, which is pleasing.
“I’m very comfortable with the current group but I just felt at this moment in time we needed that extra bit of experience and the club have managed to help me with that.
“It’s a deal until January but Gethin will be keen to impress and do enough to make us want to extend the deal further. I think that’s important on both sides.”
This deal remains subject to the clearance of all necessary paperwork.
