Carlisle United are delighted to announce the signing of Sunderland midfielder Jack Diamond on loan until the end of the season.
Diamond, 24, has been at the Stadium of Light since joining their academy aged 14 and has made 45 appearances in all competitions. He scored his first goal for the Black Cats against United in an EFL Trophy game in 2020.
Blues fans will know Jack well from his three loan spells with Harrogate, where he made 77 appearances and scored 19 goals.
He spent the 2022/23 season at Lincoln where he made 36 appearances and scored six goals. This form saw him nominated for the EFL League One Player of the Month for September 2022.
Manager Paul Simpson said: “I’m delighted to get a player of Jack’s ability into the building. He’s a player who we hope will come in, create and score goals for us and bring some exciting forward play to the group.
“Jack has had a long period without playing games but his fitness levels are excellent. It will take him a few games to get up to match pace but I’m excited to see him be part of our team.”
Club Chief Executive Nigel Clibbens said: “We would like to give Jack a very warm welcome to Brunton Park and Carlisle United.
“As he joins us, it is important for us to set out the club’s position on Jack’s recent acquittal.
“It is a matter of public record and widespread media reporting that Jack has recently faced prosecution and charges at a Crown Court trial, with all the headlines and intense public scrutiny that brings. That has overshadowed the last two years of his personal life and career.
“Following the conclusion of that judicial process in early January 2024, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found him not guilty of all the charges after an extremely short deliberation.
“After being cleared, he then returned to Sunderland to resume his football career.
“This is now an opportunity for Jack to move forward in his life after an extremely challenging period. He can now return to football again, and do what he does best.
“We want to emphasise our ongoing support to him now and in the season ahead, as he looks forward to the future with Carlisle United.
“We recognise the judicial process has been followed. Having been subject to the law of the land, tried in front of a jury and acquitted, he is now able to move on.
“We want to help him do that. We believe this is the right thing to do, and that our fans will support this and give Jack their full support too.”
Jack will wear squad number 27 and is available to sponsor. Call the commercial department on 0330 094 5930 for details.