New signing Anthony Gerrard says he is looking forward to a fresh start under John Sheridan at Carlisle United after accusing Oldham of lacking "class" over his Boundary Park exit.

The defender yesterday signed a six-month deal with the Blues and could be on the bench for tomorrow's home clash with Northampton.

Gerrard's move was confirmed as his previous club announced they had sacked him for gross misconduct, relating to social media posts.

The 32-year-old, who insisted the offending posts, made towards Oldham fans, were in "jest", said he plans to give his full side of the story at a later stage, but could not hide his frustration at the way he was frozen out towards the end of his time with the Latics.

"The way things happened didn't sit well with me," he said. "I think there was a bit of underhandedness on their [Oldham's] part, but when the time's right and it falls into place I'll give my version of events - the true version of events.

"But at this moment in time, I'm looking forward to playing football and doing well at Carlisle.

"I don't want to keep harping on about [the Oldham situation]. They've brought a statement out, which is their prerogative. A bit classless, the timing, but it is what it is and I wouldn't expect anything less."

Gerrard has spent recent weeks training with the youth team at Oldham, and on his own, as Carlisle's interest materialised through Sheridan, who managed the defender at Boundary Park.

"I got a phonecall from my agent who said, with what was going on, Shez was wanting to take me. Knowing that in the background was comforting, that there was someone still there who respects me as a player and a person enough to take me," Gerrard said.

"I've got nothing but respect for [Sheridan]. He's a great fella and a great manager and hopefully we can make this move a positive one.

"He knows what makes me tick, and is not underhanded. He's straight-talking. That's all you want as a footballer. You don't want anybody snakey, happy to smile in front of you then backbite you."

Gerrard was United's only addition before the 5pm transfer deadline, with no departures, although the Blues are allowed to make loan signings until August 31, and could also move at any stage for players who become free agents this month.

Sheridan said Gerrard was not yet fit enough to be considered for a start tomorrow but both manager and player expect him to get up to sharpness quickly.

Sheridan said the former Walsall, Huddersfield and Cardiff man was his top target as he chased a right-sided centre-half, and the defender admits he can't wait to be back on the pitch.

"It's been a bit frustrating, twiddling my thumbs, doing my own bits and pieces," said the defender, who will face a return to Boundary Park with United on October 6.

"I've worked all my frustration out on the punchbag in the gym for the last two weeks. It's all about a positive mindset for me now and pushing forward.

"I'm 32, not getting any younger, and I want to make the most and enjoy these twilight years of my career.

"I'm itching and want to play. The frustrating bit is I'm not match-fit at this moment in time because of a lack of minutes in pre-season, but I felt good and sharp in training [yesterday]. I'm not 100 per cent but I'm close."

Sheridan said he believes Gerrard will bring a vocal, organising presence to his side, and the player - cousin of Liverpool legend and Rangers manager Steven Gerrard - added: "It would have been selfish of me to take a two-year deal off Carlisle, with them not really knowing me as a person and a player.

"It's a six-month deal and I'm happy with that. It's down to me to show everyone what I'm about."