Carl has enjoyed spells in England with Gateshead, and South Shields, where he scored 72 goals in 115 appearances for the Mariners, including one at Wembley in their 4-0 FA Vase final victory in 2017. 

In his earlier career, Carl spent a large proportion of this in Scotland, and his main spell with Falkirk saw him make over 110 appearances. The Jarrow-born forward has also travelled further afield to Botswana and South Africa, where he spent time with Township Rollers and Chippa United, scoring 13 goals in 25 appearances combined. 

Finnigan, who has a keen eye for goal, brings a huge amount of experience and firepower to an already bolstered squad which has included the major coup of another Shields operator in Jon Shaw and will look to kick on following a year out of the game. 

On news that his registration had gone through yesterday, Carl said "Delighted to be joining the club and very excited to be getting back playing again. I've been out of football for the last year with a health scare that required several emergency operations over the past six months. 

When I made it known I was looking to get back fit, Swaz and Jon were very keen to get me in training and I know them both well enought that they'll get the best out of the way I play, whilst enjoying it!

Also, I've played with half of the team over recent years and I've really enjoyed being back in training as they're a great group of lads with a lot of quality. 

It's shown me that I still have immense hunger for the game - I want to play and win!"

Welcome to Dunston, Carl!