Transfer Round-up: Deadline day looms for Border sides to make signings
Carlisle United, Queen of the South, Annan Athletic and Stranraer have all been busy in the transfer market so far as the 2024/25 season gets underway.
In the second iteration of our transfer round-up we reflect on the transfer business done by the Border sides.
Carlisle United are aiming for an instant return back to League One following a disappointing season last year.
Paul Simpson will be looking to bolster his squad as the Blues look to secure promotion under their American owners. So far United have made three first team signings to their squad.
Who have Carlisle United signed?
Aaron Hayden - The 27-year-old centre back has joined the club on a two-year-deal following a spell at Wrexham. Hayden is back at Brunton Park following a previous spell with Carlisle between 2019 and 2021.
Jude Smith - Carlisle United bolstered their goalkeeping options with the signing of 21-year-old Jude Smith. The Scottish goalkeeper joins the club from Newcastle United, after a previous spell with Celtic.
Cameron Harper - The 22-year-old full-back joins the club after spending the majority of his career with hometown club Inverness Caledonian Thistle. The Scotland under-21 international had a spell earlier in his career on loan at Elgin City and has swapped the north of Scotland for the north of England.
Terell Thomas - Thomas has joined Paul Simpson's side, having spent two seasons in League One with Charlton Athletic. The 28-year-old defender has been capped 13 times by St Lucia at international level and has also featured for Wigan Athletic, AFC Wimbledon, Crewe Alexandria and Reading.
Ethan Robson - 27-year-old midfielder Ethan Robson has joined the club on a two-year deal from MK Dons. The former Sunderland player is the new number seven at Brunton Park and has previously had spells at Dundee, Grimsby Town and Blackpool.
Charlie Wyke - Striker Charlie Wyke has returned to Brunton Park following a spell with Wigan Athletic. The 31-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan with Championship side Rotherham United. Following his spell with Carlisle United, Wyke has had spells with Bradford City and Sunderland.
Archie Davies - 25-year-old defender Archie Davies has joined the club following a season and a half with Dundalk in Ireland. The former Brighton & Hove Albion defender has experience playing in League Two and the National League with Crawley Town and Aldershot Town.
Dan Adu-Adjei - Carlisle United have completed the loan signing of Bournemouth forward Dan Adu-Adjei. The 19-year-old spent time on loan last season with Leyton Orient.
Ben Williams - 25-year-old defender Ben Williams has joined the Blues on a short-term deal until January. The former Cheltenham Town and Barnsley full-back made his debut away to Gillingham on the opening day of the season.
Dominic Sadi - The 20-year-old midfielder has joined Carlisle United on a season-long loan from Bournemouth. The youngster made his debut for the Cherries against Norwich City in the Carabao Cup, before going on to make his Premier League debut against Brighton earlier this year.
Jordan Jones - The former Northern Ireland international has signed on a three-year deal. The 29-year-old midfielder has also played for Rangers, Sunderland and Wigan.
It is all change in Dumfries as Peter Murphy takes over the helm at Queen of the South following the departure of Marvin Bartley.
The Doonhamers suffered a disappointing campaign last year, flirting closer with the relegation play-off spot rather than pushing for promotion.
Queen of the South will be hoping for a return to the Scottish Championship in what will be a competitive division next season with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Arbroath replacing Falkirk and Hamilton Academical in the division.
Who have Queen of the South signed?
Matty Douglas - Queen of the South have signed former Annan Athletic defender Matty Douglas on a two-year deal. The 26-year-old spent five seasons at Galabank, helping the club to promotion and League One survival.
Reece Lyon - The Doonhamers have also completed the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Reece Lyon. Lyon joins the club having spent one season in League One with Kelty Hearts. The midfielder started his career with Morton.
Benjamin Luissint - The 25-year-old midfielder rejoins the club following a spell at Annan Athletic. Luissint was a crowd favourite at Galabank and has signed a two-year deal with Queen of the South.
Brennan Dickenson - Peter Murphy has also added former Carlisle United midifelder Brennan Dickenson to his squad. The 31-year-old joins the club after a spell with Oldham Athletic.
Ross Stewart - The Doonhamers have also bolstered their goalkeeping options with the signing of Ross Stewart. The former Hearts and Partick Thistle goalkeeper joins the club on a one-year deal, having previously made nine appearances on loan for the club.
Leighton McIntosh - The Doonhamers have completed the signing of former Arbroath forward Leighton McIntosh. The 31-year-old has played for no fewer than 11 sides in his career and will add experience to the side.
Kai Kennedy - Peter Murphy has added former Rangers winger Kai Kennedy to his squad. The 22-year-old has joined the club following a spell in England with York City. Kennedy has significant experience on loan in the Scottish Championship and League One with Inverness Caley Thistle, Raith Rovers, Dunfermline Athletic, Hamilton Accies and Falkirk.
Oscar MacIntyre - MacIntyre has returned to the club after loan spells at Queen of the South and Annan Athletic last season. The 19-year-old left back has joined on loan from Scottish Premiership side Hibs.
Jay Hogarth - Queens have added Rangers goalkeeper Jay Hogarth on loan for the upcoming season. Hogarth has previous experience on loan with Dumbarton and Alloa Athletic.
Josh Walker - Josh Walker is the latest addition at Palmerston under the Peter Murphy era. The former Stranraer and Annan Athletic midfielder reunites with his former manager.
Michael Hewitt - Former Rangers and Hamilton Accies defender Michael Hewitt has joined the club. The 23-year-old also has experience with Ayr United, Annan Athletic and Peterhead.
Zander Craik - 18-year-old striker Craik has joined the club on loan from Scottish Premiership side Kilmarnock. The young forward is gaining experience of first team football.
Jack Hannah - 21-year-old centre back Jack Hannah has joined Queen of the South on a season long loan deal from Middlesbrough. He joined Boro as an eight-year-old and has captained their under 21 side.
Lewis O'Donnell - The Queen of the South have signed the 19-year-old Dundee United academy graduate on a season long loan. The midfielder has represented Scotland at Under-17s level.
Fraser Bryden - The 20-year-old forward has joined the doonhamers on a season long loan from Ayr United. The Ayrshire born striker started in the side's youth setup and earlier this year signed a contract extension.
Annan Athletic have hired former Queen of the South manager Wullie Gibson following the departure of Peter Murphy to Dumfries.
The Galabankies had an impressive season last term, surviving in their first season in League One.
Who have Annan Athletic signed?
Josh Todd - The Galabankies have signed former Queen of the South midfielder Josh Todd following his departure from Dumfries. The 30-year-old came through the youth ranks of Carlisle United and has played for nine sides during his career.
Kyle Fleming - 22-year-old Kyle Fleming has returned to Annan Athletic following a spell with Stranraer. The midfielder joined the club on loan initially in 2020 before making the move permanent. He played for Stranraer as part of their side that secured survival in League Two last season.
Paul Smith - Annan Athletic have signed former Ayr United midfielder Paul Smith. The 22-year-old made his debut for the Honest Men in 2020 and has made over 50 first team appearances.
Jamie Smith - Goalkeeper Jamie Smith has joined the club on a season long loan deal from Scottish Championship side Hamilton Accies. The 22-year-old made 14 appearances last season and was named as League One player of the month in August.
Paul McGowan - The 36-year-old experienced midfielder has joined the club after a season in League One with Cove Rangers. The former Celtic youth player has played for Morton, Hamilton Accies, St Mirren, Dundee and Dunfermline Athletic during his career and will add some experience to Wullie Gibson's squad.
Max Kilsby - Former Carlisle United defender Max Kilsby has joined permanently for Annan Athletic. In what will be his third spell at the club, Kilsby also has spent time on loan at Queen of the South.
Aaron Quigg - 18-year-old midfielder Aaron Quigg has joined the Galabankies following the expiry of his contract with Kilmarnock. He spent some time last season on loan with Albion Rovers in the Lowland League.
Ji Stevenson - Former Partick Thistle midfielder Ji Stevenson is another addition to Wullie Gibson's side for the upcoming campaign. The 18-year-old spent time on loan with Clyde and Cumnock Junior last season.
Malik Zaid - 19-year-old winger Malik Zaid has joined Annan Athletic on loan from Scottish Premiership side Hibernian. Last season he spent time on loan with Edinburgh City, scoring one goal and registering three assists in 17 games.
Charlie Barnes - Annan Athletic have re-signed defender Charlie Barnes. He has returned to the club to sign a one year deal following a spell at Lancaster City.
Harrison Wood - Defender Harrison Wood has signed for Annan Athletic on a loan deal from Blackburn Rovers. He will remain at Galabank until January.
Stranraer completed the great escape as they ensured their SPFL status for another season with a victory against East Kilbride in May.
Scott Agnew will be hoping his side can ensure they will be fighting higher up the division next season.
Who have Stranraer signed?
Tomas Brindley - The Blues have signed 22-year-old left back Tomas Brindley from Forfar Athletic. The defender came through the youth ranks with Kilmarnock before a spell with Dumbarton.
Muhammad Adam - 19-year-old striker Muhammad Adam has joined the club from Scottish Premiership side Motherwell. The forward is the second signing of the season so far at Stair Park.
Jacob Pazikas - Stranraer have signed 19-year-old goalkeeper Jacob Pazikas on loan from Scottish Premiership side Rangers for the season. He spent last season on loan with the Civil Service Strollers in the Lowland League.
Harry Broun - Goalkeeper Harry Broun has joined the club following a spell with Dumbarton. The 20-year-old began his career at Kilmarnock and has also had loan experience with Kilwinning Rangers and Johnstone Burgh.
Mark Russell - The Blues have signed experienced midfielder Mark Russell following his spell with Portadown in Northern Ireland. The 28-year-old has experience of playing with Morton, Falkirk, Finn Harps and Galway United.
Elliot Dunlop - Former Rangers and St Mirren youth player Elliot Dunlop has joined Scott Agnew's side on loan from Airdrieonians. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder has made 10 first team appearances for Rhys McCabe's side.
Kirk McKnight - 19-year-old McKnight has joined the club following a successful trial spell. He has most recently turned out in the Lowland League with Broomhill and Cumbernauld Colts.
Paul Woods - Paul Woods has sealed his return to Stair Park as a player and coach. He suffered a potentially career ending injury two years ago and rejoined up with the Blues to train over the summer.
Robbie Foster - Scott Agnew has added 23-year-old forward Robbie Foster to his striking options. He has joined the club from Highland League side Huntly, where he made 42 appearances last season, scoring 17 goals and registering nine assists.
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