Smith signs new Carlisle contract

Smith made 17 appearances for Carlisle last season

Carlisle United midfielder Grant Smith has signed a new one-year deal with the League One club.

The 28-year-old playmaker made 17 appearances for the Cumbrians last season, scoring once.

"He's shown us through the second half of last season that he can be a real asset," Carlisle manager John Ward told the club's website.

Irvine-born Smith moved to Brunton Park in January following a spell in Finland with HJK Helsinki.

Ward added: "We keep saying that we want to bring players here who will fit into the dressing room.

I think a fitter, stronger Grant Smith, who has had a full pre-season under his belt, will improve him as a player even further John Ward

"Grant certainly fits that bill. He's been a great addition and he has been a very good person to have around the football club."

Smith began his career as a trainee with Wycombe before spells with a further 11 clubs including Reading, Hearts, Sheffield United and Dundee United.

"I think a fitter, stronger Grant Smith, who has had a full pre-season under his belt, will improve him as a player even further," Ward added.