Gary Liddle admitted he is “thrilled” to have signed for Carlisle United.

Liddle joins the Brunton Park outfit from Chesterfield on an 18-month contract.

He said: “I’m thrilled to be here. It seems to have been in the background for quite a few years, really.

“I’m excited for the challenge ahead and hoping I can contribute to another good half of the season.

“It is an exciting challenge. I was quite happy at Chesterfield and I was honoured to have been made captain there, in what has been quite a difficult season.

“But as soon as I got the call off the staff at Carlisle, it was just something that appealed to me straightaway, especially working with Keith [Curle, manager] and Westy [assistant manager Colin West].

“It is something that just felt right for me.”

Liddle joins the Cumbrians, with the club currently sitting in third in the League Two table.

The 30-year-old said: “The club has done really well this season. The work that has gone into the first half of the season is fantastic and, like I said, I’m hoping to play a part in another good half of the season, in what could possibly be a memorable season for the football club.”

Manager Keith Curle has confirmed he plans to start Liddle in tomorrow’s game against Morecambe.

And Liddle is looking forward to playing in front of the Carlisle supporters.

“I know the manager was quite pleased with the last turn out at Brunton Park,” he said.

“So, if we can match or even better that, then great.

“It is vital that the fans’ support is there because they can be the difference between automatic promotion, play-offs or falling just outside the play-offs [at the end of the season].

“So, they will be needed. There will be tough games ahead, games that will be decided by fine margins.

“They could be the difference that the team needs on that day.”