Carlisle United have today completed summer signing number nine as midfielder Brennan Dickenson comes into the club on a two-year deal.
Dickenson, 27, was in the youth system with Southampton before he joined Dorchester, where five goals in just over 20 appearances caught the eye of Brighton, then in the Championship, who secured his services for an undisclosed fee.
He had valuable loan spells with Chesterfield, Wimbledon and Northampton whilst with the Seagulls, and he was on the move again in the summer of 2014 when Gillingham snapped him up, again for an undisclosed fee.
A total of 78 appearances for the Gills preceded a move to Colchester, where he would go on to be named in the 2016 EFL Team of the Year, having established himself as a left wing back with the U’s. He bagged 15 goals in just over 90 appearances with the Essex club, but he chose to turn down a new contract offer last summer in favour of a move to MK Dons.
A call from Exeter in January this year saw him join the Grecians for their play-off push, where he scored twice in 13 appearances.
Manager Chris Beech said: “We’re now at the stage in recruitment where we are in a fortunate position to be adding strength in depth to our group. Brennan brings that to us in abundance.
“He’s an experienced campaigner in League Two and in League One, including being a previous Player of the Year, but yet he’s still young for an experienced footballer.
“He was involved in a play-off run-in last season, so he’s another that knows what it’s about to win football matches.”
“Brennan’s playing style is about pace and power,” he continued. “He’s got a rocket of a left foot and has the ability to score goals from distance.
“Although left-footed, I also see him as another that can play in multiple positions, which adds to the tactical options we have.
“I’ve spoken on numerous occasions about characteristics in my players. Brennan gets what we’re trying to achieve and knew immediately that he wanted to join us.
“He’s committed to the area as part of that process, a significant sign of intent from a player that wants to come here and play a big part in driving us forward.”
