Goalkeeper Paul Farman has today become Carlisle United’s 10th summer signing.

The 31-year-old has agreed a one-year deal with the Cumbrians.

Farman joins Carlisle after a two-year spell with Stevenage.

He previously had a six-year stint with Lincoln and was a key part of a side that won promotion from the Conference as well as the 2018 EFL Trophy.

He was also involved in their memorable run to the FA Cup quarter-finals in 2017.

The north-east native, from North Shields, trained with Newcastle before starting his first-team career at Blyth Spartans.

Farman moved on to Gateshead before joining Lincoln in 2012.

He made 229 appearances for the Sincil Bank club before a switch to Stevenage in 2018.

That led to 75 appearances for the Hertfordshire outfit and was regarded as one of their top performers last season despite Boro’s slide to the bottom of League Two, only to be spared relegation by the points penalties imposed on Macclesfield.

Farman will compete with Magnus Norman for the first-choice keeper position at Carlisle, who have had former loanee Joe Fryer on trial recently.

Blues boss Chris Beech suggested Fryer may still have a chance with United and that they would monitor his situation.

New signing Farman could be involved in tomorrow night’s pre-season friendly against Gateshead.

Beech said on United's website: “We always needed to add a further goalkeeper to the group and Paul brings with him those complementary assets and traits we want to support and push Magnus, and vice versa.

"We've worked extremely hard behind the scenes on recruitment to make sure we get the right capabilities in the building. Paul is an experienced operator, has played hundreds of games and knows what's required.

"He's another with an excellent kick and is a fantastic shot-stopper.

"Originally from the north east, Paul jumped at the opportunity to come to us, so it's another that fits in terms of geography. He'll move back to the area, which is always an added plus."

Beech said Farman's stats from the 2019/20 season were "right up there with the best".

He added: "He made the most overall saves across the top four tiers and also achieved the most close range saves in League Two. He also kept 10 clean sheets for Stevenage and, again, that's good going given where they ultimately finished. 

"One thing I liked about Paul when I spoke with him, and on doing the due diligence on speaking with others, was his enthusiasm and attitude for the game.

"He will be positive around the dressing room, he's another leader, and he'll help create that winning environment to drive us on."

Beech also spoke about Fryer's situation, the former Blues loanee having been training with United having recently returned from a long-term broken leg injury.

He said: "Joe is a great lad and he's been fantastic this past few weeks.

"Myself and David [Holdsworth] have spoken to him, and he knows we think highly of him.

"As he works his way through the stage he's at now, training with a view to getting match fit, and having missed out with his injury for a prolonged period of time, there's a possibility that he could do some of that here with us, if that fits and works for all parties.

"We'll wait and see where that goes, there's no pressure or expectation on that at this moment of time, but it is something we could possibly explore going forward."