Jordan Gibson claims his “rollercoaster” spell at Carlisle United has made him stronger as he starts life with one of the Blues’ rivals.

The midfielder has signed a two-year deal with Doncaster Rovers and will face United in League Two next season.

Gibson spent three years at Brunton Park – a spell which involved a fourth-tier survival battle, promotion and then relegation back down from League One.

The 26-year-old, after signing for last season’s losing League Two play-off semi-finalists Donny, said: “I think [my] three years at Carlisle were a rollercoaster.

“We struggled the first year as a team but I’ve hit double figures in goals and assists in all my three seasons.

“On a personal level it’s been good to play a lot of games. We had the promotion, then the relegation last season, but I think I’ve shown I can handle myself in the higher league. So to come here at Doncaster I want to help take the team to that level.”

News and Star: Gibson joins a Doncaster side who lost out in the League Twi play-offs last season after a resurgent run of formGibson joins a Doncaster side who lost out in the League Twi play-offs last season after a resurgent run of form (Image: PA)

Asked what he had learned from last season’s struggles, he added: “Resilience – when times get tough you’ve got to find that mental grit and togetherness as a team.

“It didn’t turn out to be the season we wanted but the tough times make you stronger and I want to be at the right end of the table this season.”

Gibson also explained that the memory of 2023’s promotion at Wembley with the Blues had given him “the desire to do it again.

“When you get a promotion on your CV and have that feeling, especially at Wembley, you want to repeat it,” he added.

Asked, in a club interview, if he felt ready for a fresh start, Gibson said: “Definitely.”

He added that Doncaster boss Grant McCann had earmarked an attacking role for him in the 2024/25 campaign.

“Grant’s already shown me my own clips and the team philosophy, so it looks like we’re a good match,” Gibson said.

“I think I’ve got quite a bit of experience at 26 but a lot more to come. I feel I haven’t even got started yet. I’ve got a lot to prove and a lot to give to the club.

“I can’t wait to get started…I feel the coaching staff and manager can take me to a new level.”