Preece made 40 appearances for Carlisle between 2003 and 2005

BBC Radio Cumbria have signed up former Carlisle United striker Andy Preece for their new League One season coverage.

The former fans' favourite will join Derek Lacey in the commentary box for every Cumbrians' away fixture.

Former Carlisle midfielder Jeff Thorpe will continue in the role of summariser for all the club's home fixtures.

Preece, 41, who stepped down as manager of Worcester City in October, made 40 appearances for Carlisle, scoring 10 times between 2003 and 2005.

Preece recently turned out for United in the Northern Masters event at Newcastle's Metro Arena and is currently working as a scout for Sheffield United.

ANDY PREECE FACTFILE Born 27 March 1967 Made his debut in the Conference as a 16-year-old Scored the winning goal in Stockport's FA Cup giant-killing against QPR in 2004 Scored his first Carlisle goal in the 2-0 win against Torquay in December 2003 Was released as player-manager by Bury in December 2003 to cut costs

He began his career as a junior with Worcester City, making his debut in the Conference aged 16.

He later played for Evesham United, Northampton Town and Wrexham before joining Stockport County for a fee of �10,000 in 1991.

Preece spent four seasons at Edgeley Park before moving to Crystal Palace in June 1994 for �350,000. He then moved on to Blackpool and Bury, where he became player-manager.

Paul Simpson brought him to Brunton Park as a player in 2003 where he helped them win promotion back to the Football League two years later.

The Cumbrians get their new season underway at Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

BBC Radio Cumbria have renewed their contract with the club to provide exclusive full match commentary on every Carlisle United fixture for the 2008/09 season.