Former-Blues midfielder Luke Joyce signs two year deal
Manager Keith Curle has secured his third signing in the space of 48 hours as he brings former-Blues midfielder Luke Joyce back to Brunton on a two-year deal – agreed in principle and to be signed on his return to pre-season training.
Joyce, 27, kicked off his senior career when he joined United from Wigan on a youth loan at the end of the 2005/06 campaign. The deal was made permanent that summer and he went on to make 28 appearances and score three goals during his three-year stay with the Cumbrians.
Loan spells with Barrow and Northwich Victoria towards the end of his spell caught the eye of Accrington Stanley and he went on to become club captain and a near ever-present as he notched up over 275 appearances in the midfield playmaker role with ‘the club that wouldn’t die’.
Blues boss Curle said: “We’re delighted that Luke has joined us. He’s a player who is brave, in a different sense, in that he wants to get on the ball and get other players involved in the game.
“He knows when and when not to try to play football and he’s a player who can dictate the pace with his positioning and with his use of the ball.
“He’s one the fans will know, from his first spell here, but I would say that he left this club as a boy and he’s coming back to us as a man. He’s another who knows this level and how to bring the best out of those around him.”
“We’re obviously very pleased with the work we’ve done this week,” he added. “With all three signings we can see characteristics and attributes of players who have the potential to be our team captain. It’s good to have that in the dressing room.
“They also bring a lot of experience with them as we look to get a good balance between players who have games under their belt and the youthful energy which has served the club well.
“I look at this recruitment process almost as if it’s like doing a jigsaw. You start with the four corner pieces – the key pieces – and then build on from there. This week has seen us put three of those corner pieces in place.”
We’ll have more reaction to this move on the website later today.