Former Carlisle United frontman Jerry Yates has signed a bumper new Blackpool deal ahead of today's Brunton Park reunion.

The in-demand striker, who returns to Carlisle for this afternoon's pre-season friendly, has signed a new three-year contract at Bloomfield Road.

It follows a prolific 2020/21 season for the ex-United loanee, who returns to Cumbria today with fellow former Blue Richard Keogh.

Yates' 23 goals last season were pivotal to Blackpool's promotion to the Championship.

"I’m delighted to be extending my stay here and really looking forward to the future,” Yates said of his new deal.

“I’ll work to repay that faith on the pitch over the course of next season and beyond. I can’t wait for what’s to come.”

Yates was with United in the 2018/19 season in a loan deal from Rotherham.

He scored seven goals in a half-season spell before being recalled by the Millers in January.

He went on to help Swindon to League Two promotion in 2019/20 before his permanent switch to Blackpool was followed by a glut of goals for Neil Critchley's League One play-off winners.

He had attracted interest from Championship clubs before signing his new deal with the Tangerines.

Ex-United defender Keogh could also face the Blues today after his recent move to Blackpool.

But another former Carlisle man, striker Gary Madine, misses out on a return because of a groin injury.

Other reunions today include that of Blackpool-born United boss Chris Beech, who started his career with the Tangerines and played for the club from 2003-6.

United skipper Callum Guy is also a former Blackpool player while right-back George Tanner is Blackpool-born.

Tanner is hoping to return from a minor injury concern to feature today, while keeper Magnus Norman is hoping to make his first pre-season outing.

Assistant boss Gavin Skelton told the Blues' website of today's game: “They’re a Championship side now and we’re back on our pitch, which looks fantastic.

“Hopefully there’ll be a big crowd, on a nice day, and without the stress of results. We miss that, but it’s nice if there’s a good crowd and a game where both sides compete.”