Former Carlisle United man Dean Furman has signed a short-term deal in the National League.

He has joined Altrincham FC, where he has been on trial recently.

South Africa international midfielder Furman, who was released by the Blues at the end of last season, had a previous trial at his former club Oldham and is also understood to have spent time with Wrexham in pre-season.

But the 33-year-old described the move to Altrincham as one that suits him.

Speaking in an interview on the club website, Furman said: "It couldn't be more different - I was travelling more than two hours to Carlisle and back every year, but now the [Altrincham] stadium is about sevn minutes from my house.

"My contarct expired at Carlisle, there wasn't another offer, I had a few different trials and offers over summer, but nothing that really suited me.

"I got in touch with the gaffer [Phil Parkinson] here, he offered me the opportunity to come down to training, I played in a game against Huddersfield [B], had a good chat and he offered me a short-term deal.

"My aim is to make it a much longer-term deal."

Ex-Oldham, Rangers, Bradford and Doncaster midfielder Furman made 20 appearances for the Cumbrians last season.

He could make his Alty debut against Halifax next Monday.