Carlisle United sign Barrow striker

Keith Curle is delighted to have signed Richie Bennett Credit: Carlisle United

Carlisle United have signed striker Richie Bennett on a two-year deal from Barrow AFC.

The transfer is believed to be worth around £50,000 and brings a successful conclusion to manager Keith Curle’s pursuit of the highly rated front man.

Barrow had already rejected one offer from United, but say their hand was forced when the Blues upped their bif and triggered a buy-out clause in Bennett’s contract.

Bennett, 25, started his career in the Oldham Athletic Centre of Excellence as a youngster. He was then snapped up by Curzon Ashton at the age of 17 and has also played for Mossley AFC and Ashton United before joining Northwich Victoria in 2014.

He scored 44 goals in two seasons for the Vics and was snapped up by Barrow in the summer of 2016.

He made close to 50 appearances for the Bluebirds and scored 16 goals during his one-year stay.

Carlisle United’s joint assistant manager Lee Dykes said predicted a bright future for Bennett at Brunton Park.