Manager on pre-season and trial players
The Carlisle United youth and first team squads joined forces today for the first training session of pre-season as the lads returned from their summer break to be put through their paces by manager Greg Abbott.
An intense training session, which included ball work and plenty of running, was given the thumbs up by the coaching staff as the lads shook off the cobwebs and got on with their jobs.
“I think we should all expect the lads to come back fired up and ready to go,” Abbott said. “This is their profession and they know they have to do the work or they’ll be left behind.
“It’s very intense from the moment they arrive because the first week of August will be upon us before we even realise it. We want to get off to a good start and that means putting in the time and effort on the training pitch now.
“Having said that, it’s really refreshing to see such a positive attitude from all of them. That tells us that we’re in a good position and that we have plenty to work with.
“Things will get tougher and harder from here because we have to be as fit as we can be. There’ll be some new faces as we give trials to a few players, and the more experienced lads will play a big part as they help the rest of the squad along.
“It’s all about that first game of the season now, in everything we do. Every single one of them should want to start and it’s up to them to show me they’re ready. We’ve done our side of it by getting the sessions structured in such a way that we know the lads will get a lot of benefit from it all.
“It’s now over to them to make sure they get the most from every session and friendly game they are involved in.”
Joining the squad on trial today:
Jordan Deacey – a 19-year-old attacking midfielder who cut his teeth with Bradford Park Avenue. Highly-rated, he has been linked with moves to Doncaster Rovers and Burnley in recent seasons.
Danny Emerton – a midfield playmaker who came through the ranks with Hull City. The 21-year-old has been a regular on the bench for the Tigers since turning pro in 2010 and enjoyed a loan spell with Alfreton Town last November.
Robbie Thomson – keeper Robbie Thomson is highly thought of at Celtic and earned loan spells with Airdrie and Stenhousemuir during his time at Celtic Park. The 20-year-old has a reputation as a reliable shot stopper and a good talker.
Paul Weldon – the Sunderland-born left back turned professional with Middlesbrough in July 2010 when he signed a two-year contract. The 21-year-old came through the Boro Academy and was a regular in the reserve side on the north east.
“The hope with all trial players is that you find a player who will fit into the group,” Abbott explained. “It gives us an opportunity to see these lads up close and it gives them a chance to show us what they can do.
“If it all works out then it’s fantastic for everyone. That’s why we are more than happy to invite trial players in, not only during pre-season but as we go on through the campaign as well.”
