Carlisle United star Jon Mellish has signed a new long-term deal.

The versatile defender has agreed a three-year contract at Brunton Park.

Mellish’s new terms keep him at the club until the summer of 2026.

It comes as manager Paul Simpson moves to tie down one of his key assets.

Mellish, United’s longest-serving player who joined from Gateshead in 2019, has been an influential player in Simpson’s turnaround of the club.

The 25-year-old had triggered a one-year extension to his previous deal last season, but Carlisle have now negotiated longer terms a month before the new League One season.

Mellish has made 168 appearances and scored 25 goals in his time at Carlisle, when he has played under managers Steven Pressley, Chris Beech, Keith Millen and Simpson.

He was moved from defence to midfield by Beech and enjoyed a remarkable 16-goal season in 2020/21.

But his return to the left of a back three under Simpson has cemented Mellish’s central role in the side, while his versatility and ability to push into midfield remains a key part of his attributes.

Simpson had said last week he was in talks with some of his stars regarding contract extensions.

The Mellish deal comes in United’s first full week of pre-season training, which culminates with their first friendly at Annan Athletic on Friday.