The manager on preparing for the weekend
Carlisle manager Greg Abbott spoke about his preparations for the new season and his ongoing search for new blood at the Thursday afternoon press conference.
He said: "I think we always look forward to the first league game.
"This is it, it's for real now, and the training and tempo has been really upbeat this week.
"Everybody is desperate to be part of the starting line up and there's a noticeable edge to everything we do.
"We're still trying to do things properly and smile our way through the day because we have to enjoy it.
"The squad is obviously different to what we ended last season with and some players have been removed with others added to the mix.
"In terms of strength, we're not a million miles away from where we want to be. Getting the likes of Miller, Chantler and Loy fit again will make a big difference and then we add the new signings into consideration and we're not too bad.
"The emergence of the young players is a huge bonus and it shows that the club is evolving all the time. It's probably a more open division this season and it'll be interesting to see how we do.
"We're still working away to add to it all if we can and we've had one of those weeks where there have been some very encouraging conversations. We'd like to get things done sooner rather than later and we are talking all the time.
"The player we are close to at the moment has been playing at a better level than the one we're at, to be honest, so it's very encouraging that he wants to come here.
"He's one we think we can help to develop ... and he will come in and help to develop us as a club as well. It's a good one if we can do it so we'll keep working away and see where it takes us.
"When everyone is fit we have some really decent competition for places and the plan is to add more quality to that. The problem we've got is that we have a very strong squad of players and we are trying to make sure we don't rush ourselves into making any wrong decisions. Anyone who comes in has to make us better again.
"I could sign one or two players today if I wanted to but the key is making those signings who will push us on. I am more than happy to stay patient and to do things right so that we know we've done everything we can to make sure any new arrival is going to have a positive impact for us.
"We think our players did really well last season and we now have to compete to get the type of player that every manager at every level is looking for. It's not easy but we're doing ok, and I'm confident that we can make something happen when all the boxes are ticked.
"We don't leave making signings late deliberately. I would have loved to have had my squad finalised by the end of May, then we could all relax and get on with it. It just doesn't happen that way I'm afraid. All we can do is press on and try to find the right player for this club, however long that takes."
