Former Middlesbrough defender David Atkinson joins Carlisle United
Carlisle United have today signed former-Boro defender David Atkinson on a short term deal following his successful loan spell with the club at the end of last season.
Atkinson, 22, enjoyed a seven-game loan spell with United through March and April and was offered a permanent contract by manager Keith Curle after the final game of the season against Hartlepool.
Manager Keith Curle said: “David comes from a good background with a very good pedigree. He’s at an age where he needs to be playing games and developing his own football profile.
“The early part of his career was stunted by an injury and he’s been unlucky with that. It halted his progression but we think he’s ready to start to fulfil the potential everyone knows he has.
“He started last season in the first team squad over at Middlesbrough but his game time there was limited because of the situation he found himself in. That means we have a player who is hungry to develop and push on.
“That will happen for him by playing league games. We’ve seen what he can do last season and I know he wants to continue that progression to the next level. He’s a dogged defender and he’s one who can handle a football. He has a great attitude and we’re looking forward to continuing our work with him.”
Shildon-born Atkinson joined Middlesbrough as an eight year old and earned a place in Aitor Karanka's first team squad late in the 2013/14 season.
The England youth international can play anywhere across the back four and has also featured in midfield for the Boro Development Squad. He spent a month on loan at Hartlepool in September of last year.