United manager Keith Curle completed his first summer signing this morning with an agreement in principle on a two-year deal – to be signed on 1 August 2015 – which will keep popular midfielder Jason Kennedy at Brunton Park until the summer of 2017.
Kennedy, 28, needs no introduction having enjoyed a successful eleven-game loan spell with the Blues at the end of the season which reaped three goals and calls from the terraces for him to be ‘signed up’ with his contract at Bradford City due to expire.
Manager Keith Curle said: "Jason came in at the end of last season and he did exactly what we expected him to do.
"The fans responded well to him because they could see the drive and passion he brings with his game. People like that. He has been excellent to work with and we're delighted that he's accepted the offer. He's the kind of player I know I can work with and you can see in his eyes that he wants to be here and he wants to help this club do well.
"I know people can get frustrated when things are quiet through the summer months but this is an example of how we have to keep doing the leg work to get the deals we want to conclude over the line.
"This is the first of our signings and I continue to talk to other targets, and their representatives, as I look to build a squad to push us on next season.”
The no-nonsense central midfielder started his career at Middlesbrough, where he was an FA Youth Cup winner, and made his senior debut against Fulham during the 2004/05 season. He featured in the 2005/06 UEFA Cup campaign, playing the full 90 minutes against Litex Lovech, and enjoyed a six month loan spell with Livingston in 2007.
A loan move to Darlington turned into a permanent deal in 2008, and a move to Rochdale followed in 2009. He helped Dale to promotion to League One during his first season at Spotland and went on to make over 200 appearances during his time at the club.
He penned a two year deal with the Bantams in July 2013 and spent the final two months of last season on loan with Carlisle United.
Read more at http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/news/article/midfielder-jason-kennedy-commits-to-united-2462333.aspx#Ue3zJvTjsK5FwMvs.99