Carlisle United have made Josh Emmanuel the first signing of the Piatak era at Brunton Park.

The right-sided player has joined the Blues on a deal until the end of the season.

Emmanuel, 26, joins as a free agent and will give United extra options on the right of their defence.

The former Ipswich Town man can also play on the right of midfield and will be in contention to be involved against Charlton Athletic at Brunton Park on Saturday in the first League One game under United's new American owners.

Emmanuel has been a free agent since leaving Grimsby Town at the end of last season.

Manager Paul Simpson believes the new signing, who has been training with the Blues squad, will offer a valuable presence in a right-sided defensive position which has been hit by injuries to Fin Back and Jack Ellis.

“He’s a player who I’ve always liked," Simpson told United's website.

"I’ve watched him on numerous occasions so when I heard that he was available I asked him to come up.

News and Star: Josh Emmanuel, left, has played for Hull (pictured) plus Ipswich, Crawley, Rotherham, Shrewsbury, Bolton and GrimsbyJosh Emmanuel, left, has played for Hull (pictured) plus Ipswich, Crawley, Rotherham, Shrewsbury, Bolton and Grimsby (Image: PA)

“It was such a contrast to what I’ve experienced with a number of other free agents. Josh automatically said he wanted to come up and train, asked when I wanted him to come in and said he was going to drive straight up. His enthusiasm to come was a real breath of fresh air.

“He’s come in and trained well and he’s a really good personality. If he gets to the levels I’ve seen from him previously he’ll be a fantastic addition to the group."

Simpson said Emmanuel is an "energetic" player who can play at right-back or wing-back. United are without Back for several months while Ellis is closer to a return.

The London-born signing started as a youth player with West Ham United before joining Ipswich Town, where he made the professional breakthrough.

He made 29 appearances for the Tractor Boys and had loan moves to Crawley Town, Rotherham United and Shrewsbury Town before permanent spells with Bolton Wanderers and Hull City.

Emmanuel's next move saw him part of Grimsby's run to the FA Cup quarter-finals last season but, after 18 appearances for the Mariners, he was allowed to leave the League Two club on a free transfer as he sought an opportunity higher up the pyramid.

Emmanuel was linked with Peterborough United in the summer but a move never materialised - and after waiting for his next change, he now heads to Cumbria.