FORMER Carlisle United defender Corey Whelan joined Vanarama National League side AFC Fylde on a two-year deal. 

The 26-year-old, who joined the Blues in 2021 and went on to make 65 appearances for the club, has linked up with former Carlisle boss Chris Beech at the Coasters. 

Whelan was released by Carlisle United this summer following his omission from the Blues' EFL squad list for the second half of their 2023/24 League One campaign. 

Speaking on the club's website after his non-league move, he said: "I’m really excited for the season ahead. It got done relatively quickly. 

"I always had it in the back of my mind that it was an option, so once we’d spoken and agreed, I was excited to get it over the line and get started.

"I’d worked with the manager before, we’ve always been in close contact since he left Carlisle, so we spoke and interacted, then we got it over the line, so it’s great to be here.

"The project really excites me, I came to have a look round, there’s loads of pros as to why I wanted to come here. Like I said, it’s a project moving forward that we want to be successful."

Whelan becomes the second former Blue with Beech this summer after versatile defender and midfielder Joe Riley joined the Coasters following his release from Walsall.

"I’m really pleased Corey is joining us from another EFL club," Chris Beech said.

"Like Joe, he is at a great age to utilise his knowledge and experience, yet still young enough to have a burning ambition and hunger for success.

"He is a defensively-minded player who can play multiple positions, helping the team maintain defensive structure and control. He takes responsibility, is physical and strong, and doesn’t suffer fools.

"Corey’s character and mindset, putting his team before himself, are a credit to him and are perfect traits for the growth of our 2024/25 squad."