Keeper Marcus Dewhurst has made a return to Brunton Park on a half-season loan deal from parent club Sheffield United, having spent the second half of last season on-loan with the Cumbrians.
Dewhurst, 19, started his career as a youngster as a striker, but converted to wearing the gloves a few years ago, and has gone on to represent England in both the under-17 and under-18 teams.
He has enjoyed loan spells with Gainsborough Trinity and Guiseley whilst with the Blades, and spent pre-season 2019, and the bulk of this summer, with the Sheffield United first team to gain yet more valuable experience.
Manager Chris Beech said: “With the injury to Magnus coming so close to the start of the season we’ve now got a slot in that area to fill [extent of the injury still to be assessed]. I want two goalkeepers that will push each other, not a number one and number two, so to speak.
“When we looked at recruitment in the goalkeeper department my ideal preference was to have our own, rather than go into the loan market, thus we acquired Magnus and Paul, two very good goalkeepers in their own rights.
“The news that Magnus is going to miss the early part of the season isn’t great, but there was really then only one name we all suggested we pursue to come in, and that was Marcus Dewhurst.
“He’s been with us before, has an unbelievable attitude to his game and preparation, and will I’m sure go on to have a great career.”
“He embedded himself into our culture last season and wants to be with us,” he added. “He’s an international footballer and very highly thought of by Sheffield United.
“He’s very driven, itching to get an opportunity, and would probably have made his football league debut with us last season had the pandemic not closed the show.
“Marcus has been up in Scotland doing his pre-season training with Sheffield United’s first team, so we’re thankful that they’ve allowed him to come to us and that they trust us to support his development.”
