Horwood's career has included loan spells at Gretna, Chester and York

Hartlepool United defender Evan Horwood has revealed his delight at signing for his boyhood team after being released by Carlisle at the end of last season.

Horwood signed for Sheffield United as a 15-year-old but finally linked up with his home-town club after spells at Gretna and latterly with the Cumbrians.

"I'm over the moon to sign for a club that I supported as a kid," Horwood told BBC Tees.

"I've been waiting for three weeks to sign. I can't wait to get started."

Despite growing up in the town, Pools were unable to capture the young defender, and his first professional club were Championship side Sheffield United, for whom he made just one appearance.

However the 24-year-old is grateful to the Blades for their role in his development as a player.

"It's just one of those things - I ended up going to Sheffield United," Horwood said.

"It was the best thing I've ever done. The training and facilities were brilliant and I learned a lot down there."

Horwood became a regular for Carlisle last season, featuring in 43 games, including a Wembley appearance in March's Johnstone's Paint Trophy defeat by Southampton.

But he was not offered a new contract at Brunton Park, and left the club after making 93 appearances for the Cumbrians.

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