Former Carlisle United midfielder Josh Dixon has been handed a fresh chance by Peter Murphy at Annan Athletic.

Dixon has joined Murphy’s newly-promoted side in Scottish League One.

It follows his release from the Blues, where Dixon had come through the academy ranks.

The 22-year-old will be out to make his mark under United legend Murphy after an injury-affected spell in his young professional life.

Dixon has fought back from three cruciate knee ligament injuries and is now eager to impress at Annan.

Speaking on the Galabank club’s website, Dixon said: “As soon as the gaffer got in touch with me about his plans for the upcoming season I was more than ready to accept the challenge ahead.

“I can’t wait to fully meet all the lads, get started and be playing again.

“After recovering from some injuries I just want to go out there and show what I can do.”

Dixon was long regarded highly at Brunton Park and made the professional grade after impressing in the Blues’ youth set-up.

He showed immense character to battle back from a luckless string of serious injuries, and he made six first-team appearances for his home-city club.

Upon his release last month after 15 years at Carlisle, Dixon spoke of his debt of gratitude to the Blues for how they’d supported him over the years.

He said: “I can’t thank all the players and staff enough for helping me through some of the hardest times of my life.”

Dixon will join a number of fellow former Carlisle men in Murphy’s ranks, with the likes of Greg Fleming, Steve Swinglehurst, Josh Galloway and Matty Douglas.

Annan will be playing in Scotland's third tier for the first time in 2023/24 after last season's memorable play-off success.