Football: Freddie O'Donoghue signs pro deal with Carlisle United

Manxman will now join Queen of the South on loan

Manx footballer Freddie O'Donoghue has signed his first professional contract with Carlisle United.

The former Peel player has put pen to paper after making his first team debut at the Cumbrian outfit last season.

Now, the 18-year-old will join Scottish side Queen of the South on loan until January 2026.

O'Donoghue first joined the 'Blues' in March 2023 at the age of 16 on a two-year scholarship.

He made his first competitive appearance for the first team in September last year in the EFL Trophy against Nottingham Forest Under-21's.

After that, he then scored his first senior goal for Carlisle United on the 12 November 2024 in a 2-1 win over Morecambe in the same competition.

Carlisle United's Academy Manager, Steven Rudd has told the club's media: "We are delighted that Freddie has agreed his first professional contract with the club.

"Since he joined us at 16, he has come in and worked hard to develop all areas of his game, and this deal is a reward of him doing that.

"The loan to Queen of the South is now the next challenge in his journey to support the transition into first team and men’s football."