Paul Simpson says Jon Mellish has shown his commitment to Carlisle United after having his “head turned” by transfer interest.

The popular defender last week signed a new deal to keep him at Brunton Park until 2027.

It came weeks after United rebuffed an offer – believed to have come from League One club Wigan Athletic – for their longest-serving player.

Manager Simpson says Mellish has been “level-headed” about the situation throughout.

And he is delighted the 26-year-old has now signed up for the next three years with the Blues.

Asked about the importance to the club of securing Mellish’s long-term future, Simpson said: “I think it was for him more than anything, because his head did get turned a little bit.

“So we had to make sure he realised [how much we wanted him here].

“It would have been really easy to say, ‘No, you've got two years left on your contract and you're here, end of story’.

“But we wanted to make sure he realised that he is a huge part of what we want to do.

Paul Simpson says Mellish had his 'head turned' by transfer interest but has since underlined his commitment to the BluesPaul Simpson says Mellish had his 'head turned' by transfer interest but has since underlined his commitment to the Blues (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“He loves it here. He [never said] he wanted to go, but when a team from a higher league comes and they start talking about the numbers that they're going to be offering, it can turn your head.

“But Jon's really level-headed. The [contract] discussions have been going on for weeks, if I'm honest.

“So I'm delighted we've got him here for that extra year. He's settled, he's happy and hopefully he'll have another good season.”

Mellish opted to put pen to paper at United rather than hedge his bets in light of the transfer interest.

“I think it does say a lot about him,” said Simpson of the all-action player who joined from Gateshead back in 2019.

“I think it shows his commitment to Carlisle United as well.

“I think he's very appreciative of this opportunity that he's had, coming from non-league football.

“He loves it here. Him and his family are all moved over here now and I think that's helped him as well, because he's not doing all of the driving back over to the north-east.

“So I hope he's going to be a huge part of Carlisle United for the next few years.”