Cumbrian Ryan Bowman joined Carlisle’s play-off rivals Exeter - thanks to an old Brunton Park connection.

Carlisle-born striker Bowman admitted the presence at St James’ Park of his former Blues youth boss Eric Kinder was a factor in his move from Motherwell.

Kinder is assistant manager to Matt Taylor at the Grecians.

Bowman told the Exeter website: “I started playing for Carlisle around 13-14 and Eric was the one who signed me up for youth team level at 16.

“I worked with him for two years and when I signed my first professional contract he was still working with me after training.

“He’s a big part of why I signed here and I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

Bowman, 27, could face his home-city club when Exeter visit Brunton Park on February 9.

The sixth-placed Devon outfit are one position and one point above John Sheridan’s Blues.

Bowman, who has also had spells at Darlington, Hereford, York, Torquay and Gateshead, could be Exeter’s replacement for Jayden Stockley, who is wanted by Preston.