Former Bournemouth defender Josh Gowling has joined Carlisle on a Bosman free transfer.

The 24-year-old, who made 43 appearances in all competitions for the Cherries last season, has agreed a two-year deal with the Cumbrians that will keep him at Brunton Park until summer 2010.

"Josh has been playing in the centre of defence for Bournemouth and he has been playing consistently well for them," Carlisle boss John Ward told the club's official website.

"He has the flexibility to be able to play at full-back, if we need it, and that's good for us to have in the squad.

"The building process for next season is constantly ongoing and I'm talking to more players all the time.

"Having spoken to Josh I got the feeling almost immediately that he wants to come up here and compete. He knows that it's going to be tough for him to break into the side but, by signing him, we are making our squad that much stronger."