Carlisle United can confirm that international clearance has been received for forward Junio Joachim and his short-term deal has been completed which keeps him at Brunton Park until the end of the current season.
French-born Joachim, 24, most recently with FC Wiltz 71 in Luxembourg, started his career with AS Nancy and enjoyed a loan spell with US Boulogne as he came through the ranks.
He teamed up with the Cumbrians during pre-season and played against Warrington and Workington as the Blues geared up for the new season.
Manager Keith Curle said: “Junior worked hard during pre-season and he’s one we have kept tabs on with the contacts we have. He’s forward thinking, competitive and we think he will add different skill sets to those we already have in the group.
“He’ll bring more in the way of firepower and we’re hoping he will have a very positive impact on the group.”
The deal has been assisted by a superb crowdfunding effort from United’s supporters, which raised over £10,000 during the January transfer window, with a cheque due to be presented by CUOSC next week.
CUOSC Holdings Board director Billy Atkinson said: “We are delighted that Junior has joined the club and that the move has been funded by the supporters using the crowdfunding money pledged and donated earlier this year.
“Back in January, Keith Curle made a suggestion that a crowd boost for the home game versus Barnet could free up enough funds to bring in an extra player or two ahead of the transfer deadline.
“United fans on TheCumbrians.net forum came up with the idea of a Crowdfunding campaign. Together supporters young and old from all over the world raised in excess of £10,000 for Keith Curle to use on bringing in a new player.
“We were made aware that Keith Curle was targeting another player and, with the Salary Cap Management Protocol in mind, we made the offer to the club to use the donation to fund the deal. We wish Junior and the rest of the Carlisle United squad the very best of luck for the remainder of the season as they push on to achieve promotion from League Two.”
Speaking about the crowdfunding effort, Keith Curle said: “I said at the time that it was an unbelievable gesture. This is a wonderful example of everyone pulling together and it tells me that our fans are desperate for us to succeed.
“I think this is something we can all be proud of that, as a club and community, we have done something together. Unity is massive in this business and I would like to thank the fans and CUOSC on behalf of everyone at the club.”