Carlisle United have made experienced defender Kelvin Mellor their first signing on transfer deadline day.

The 30-year-old right-back has left Morecambe to sign a one-year deal with the Cumbrians.

Former Plymouth Argyle, Bradford City and Blackpool player Mellor has been drafted in by the Blues after yesterday's sale of full-back George Tanner.

The versatile defender has featured twice for Morecambe this season, and was handed a new deal by the Shrimps in the summer after their promotion to League One.

But he has now left the Mazuma Stadium in favour of joining Chris Beech's squad at Brunton Park.

Mellor made 40 appearances for Morecambe last season as he helped the Lancashire club reach the third tier for the first time in their history.

He was a substitute in their play-off final victory over Newport.

He joined Morecambe last summer after a two-year spell with Bradford.

He had previously been with Blackpool for two seasons, following a similar stint with Plymouth.

The 6ft 2in Mellor had an earlier spell wth Icelandic side IBV Vestmann, having started his professional career at Crewe, having joined the Railwaymen from Nantwich.

Speaking about the move on United's website, head coach Chris Beech said: “This option presented itself to us and got completed within a relatively short space of time.

"I’d actually had several conversations with Kelvin before, so it’s a player we know a lot about.

“In Kelvin we’re getting a player that has good levels of fitness, is a great height, which helps us offensively as well as defensively, and importantly is experienced at this level and higher, which has seen him be part of promotion winning sides on two occasions from this division.

“I remember him having an unbelievable season with Blackpool, where he operated as a goal scoring full back and ended up being courted by pretty much every club in the Championship.

“He improves the group and that’s an important thing for me. He’s already ahead of most because he’s aware of what’s expected and how I want to work with him from the conversations we’ve already had.

“From a personal perspective he’s itching to get going and be part of our season. He got the first available train over to us to get this done and to be with us as soon as possible to make his start.”

Morecambe also released a statement on Mellor's move, noting the player "was part of the side who achieved promotion to Sky Bet League One last season, and made 45 appearance for the Shrimps since joining as a free agent in August 2020. 

"We would like to thank Kelvin for his contribution last season during a memorable campaign in the club's history, and we wish him the best of luck in the future."