Carlisle United snap up Annan Athletic star Owen Moxon

The Cumbrian midfielder - who was on United's books as a teenager - is returning to the Blues on a two-year deal.

United say they have reached agreement to sign the 24-year-old on a deal which will begin this summer.

The Blues have made their move after Carlisle-born Moxon enjoyed an impressive season for Peter Murphy's Galabank outfit in Scottish League Two.

United boss Paul Simpson has been tracking Moxon and some Carlisle staff made a personal check on the midfield man in Annan's recent play-off clash with Edinburgh City.

They have now sealed a deal to bring the player back to his home-city club.

Moxon has agreed a two-year deal with his home-city club

Moxon came through United's academy but did not make the youth team grade and left at 16.

He has made his mark, though, north of the border and, after a spell with Queen of the South - including a spell when current Blues No2 Gavin Skelton was in charge - joined Annan in 2017.

The midfielder has shone under the management of United legend Murphy, and was this season named in the Scottish League Two team of the season.

Delighted to get this done! Pleasure to be here and looking forward to getting started and seeing all the fans at Brunton park @officialcufc 👏 Thanks for all the message! https://t.co/x983vEQchz

— owen moxon (@owenmoxonn) May 19, 2022

He was also voted Annan's player of the year and has been linked in the past with other clubs such as Hartlepool United.

Former Trinity School boy Moxon becomes the first signing of the summer at Brunton Park and the first since the return of Greg Abbott to the club as head of recruitment.

Simpson said he has spoken to Murphy about Moxon and believes the promising player can thrive at Brunton Park.

Moxon, centre, has spent the last five years at Annan under Peter Murphy (photo: Stuart Walker) (Image: Stuart Walker)

“I’m delighted to get this one done," said Simpson on United's website.

“It’s one we’ve been working on in the background probably, if I'm going to be honest with you, since the day I decided I was staying.

“He’s a player I’ve seen quite a bit of. I’ve seen him live, I’ve spoken to other players, and to coaches, and Peter Murphy has been absolutely fantastic with me on this one.

“I’ve got a lot of information from him about Owen, and I feel you have to do that sort of background check on players when you’re bringing them in to your club.

“I’m really pleased that I’ve got it all agreed, and the challenge now for Owen is for him to show us that he can play at this level.

“I believe he has the capability, he’s got everything in his locker, and I’m really looking forward to working with him.”

Confirming the player's departure, Annan said in a statement: "The club can now announce that our double player of the year winner Owen Moxon has left Galabank and today signed for EFL side Carlisle United.

"The club would like to thank Owen for his time at Galabank and we wish him well for the future."

Moxon, posting on Twitter, said he was "delighted" to have sealed the move and that he was looking forward to playing in front of United's fans.

He also expressed his gratitude to Annan and said: "From the day I came to the club I’ve loved every moment. All the board, staff, players and fans have been amazing!

"I’m sure the boys and gaffer will take us that one step further next season."