Carlisle United have strengthened their defence with the loan signing of Fleetwood Town's Toby Mullarkey, marking the sixth summer arrival at the club.
The 30-year-old defender joins Carlisle on a temporary deal until January, with the Lancashire club confirming the move on their website. Mullarkey played 27 games for Fleetwood in League Two last season, having previously worked under Carlisle's new head coach Rob Elliot at Crawley Town.
Mullarkey's move to Carlisle is a reunion of sorts, given his previous working relationship with the club's new head coach. The defender is excited about the prospect of joining a team expected to challenge for promotion, as he revealed in a statement on Carlisle's website.
"To join a team that's expected to be up there and winning is something I'm looking forward to," Mullarkey said, highlighting the ambition of Carlisle's new management.
Carlisle are gearing up for a second season in the National League, following their promotion from the sixth tier last term. The club has made a positive start to the summer transfer window, signing several new players in a bid to strengthen their squad.
Fleetwood Town, meanwhile, have allowed four of their defenders to join Carlisle on loan, including Mullarkey, as they look to trim their squad ahead of the new season. The Lancashire club has not publicly confirmed the number of defenders they have loaned out, but the move suggests they are making room for new signings.
The loan deal for Mullarkey is a significant coup for Carlisle, who are seeking to establish themselves as a force in the National League. The club will be hoping that the experienced defender can help them push for promotion and avoid a second successive relegation battle.
Source: Yahoo Sports