Paul Simpson has revealed why Carlisle United new boy Ryan Edmondson snubbed 'better offers' to join the Blues.

The 21-year-old striker put pen to paper on a two-year deal at Brunton Park yesterday to become the club's fourth summer signing - addressing a key priority for Simpson, who was keen to add some extra options to his attacking arsenal.

And in Edmondson he has attracted a player who had no shortage of interest this summer.

But the Carlisle boss believes his prior relationship with the frontman - the pair worked together in the England youth setup - and his desire to develop saw him shun the advances of other clubs and head to Cumbria.

“I know he had better offers to go elsewhere, but the fortune thing is that he knows me from working with me before,” said Simpson, speaking to Carlisle's official website.

“He wanted to come here because he thinks this is where he can come and develop.

“He knows he’s got a manager who knows him and understands him. I’m really looking forward to working with him, he’s got a good personality and he’s really keen to learn and develop.

“If it’s a case of him using us to kick on his career, I don’t mind that, because I want somebody who has got that fire in his belly.

“He needs to come in and do the job, to wear that number nine shirt and deal with what comes with that.

“The challenge is for him to show me and the rest of the staff that he deserves to start as our striker. He’s competing with some other lads who think they should be in the team, which is only a good thing.”

Edmonson joins Owen Moxon, Tomas Holy and Sonny Hilton as the Blues' summer recruits thus far, with the latter having joined on a season-long loan from Fulham.

But Simpson has revealed that both deals were actually agreed weeks ago, and shed some light on why they took time to publicly announce.

“It’s been frustrating that we’ve had to wait, it’s been agreed for three or four weeks, but he’s been on holiday over in Australia," the Carlisle boss explained.

“He only arrived back on Tuesday then he was straight in for his medical and to sign everything. I know the supporters are desperate for news on signings, but we’re guided by the other clubs and when we can get players into the building.

“Sonny was another that was done. I think it was probably four weeks ago when he came in and we did his photos, but we had to work with Fulham on that announcement and wait until Wednesday."