It’s been talked about for weeks, but has finally happened.
Carlisle United have signed Chris Conn-Clarke from Peterborough United on loan.
He will be with the Blues until January and then there are other options.
The Belfast-born midfielder, who will be 24 next month, is a former Altrincham team-mate of United striker Regan Linney.
Conn-Clarke started with Linfield and Glentoran as a youngster before being offered a scholarship by Burnley in 2017.
During his time with the Clarets, he spent time on a work experience loan with Chorley before making a permanent move to Fleetwood Town, joining their development set-up.
While with the Cod Army, the Northern Ireland youth international enjoyed loan spells with Waterford and twice with Altrincham before signing for the Robins permanently in 2023 for a club record fee.
It was with the Greater Manchester side that Conn-Clarke flourished alongside Linney, scoring 22 times and assisting on 12 occasions and was named National League Player of the Year in the 2023/24 season.
Darren Ferguson signed him for Peterborough in June 2024 for an undisclosed fee on a three-year deal, and he has played 30 games for the Posh, assisting five times and scoring once.
Carlisle boss Mark Hughes said: “He’s a player with real quality in the final third — composed, creative, and clinical when it counts.
“He brings with him a proven track record at this level, and his experience, along with his technical ability, makes him a valuable addition to the squad.”
