Offiong turned down a move to Colchester United last month

Carlisle United have signed Hamilton Academical striker Richard Offiong for an initial fee of £75,000.

The 25-year-old has signed a two-year deal, with the option for a third, after the clubs agreed a fee which will rise to £90,000 if United are promoted.

Cumbrians boss Greg Abbott told the club website: "We think he will help to make a difference. He's strong, fast and agile. We think he'll get goals.

"It's a good signing for us and we are looking forward to working with him."

He will not be eligible for Wednesday's Carlisle Cup game with Bristol City.

Offiong, 25, began his career with Newcastle United but failed to make a first-team appearance at St James' Park. He was capped by England at Under-20 level during his time with Newcastle and had loan spells with Darlington, Motherwell, and York City.

I'm looking forward to the new challenge and to hopefully scoring goals for Carlisle United New Carlisle striker Richard Offiong

Offiong left Newcastle at the end of the 2004/05 season to undertake brief spells abroad in Turkey, South Korea and Belgium before joining Doncaster Rovers on a free transfer.

He made only five appearances for the club before leaving at the end of the season.

The South Shields-born forward joined Hamilton Academical in 2006 and netted his first senior hat-trick in a 3-0 win against Dunfermline Athletic on 9 February 2008.

Offiong, who signed a new contract with Hamilton in December 2008, turned down moves to Colchester United and Greek side Skoda Xanthi last month.

He said: "I just want to get on with the job now. It's taken a while to finalise things but that's football.

"Now that we're done I'm looking forward to the new challenge and to hopefully scoring goals for Carlisle United."

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