Striker Charlie Wyke on his move from Middlesbrough to Carlisle United
Striker Charlie Wyke spoke to us ahead of the Monday morning training session about his move across to Cumbria from the north east.
“It’s my first permanent move so it’s different to what I’m used to,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to the challenge ahead. I obviously know what League Two is like and I know what it’s like to be in this position with Hartlepool.
“I didn’t really think about league position. It just felt like the right club to come to. Carlisle is a big club so the position they’re in didn’t really come into it at all. It’s obviously good to get 18 months because now I can just concentrate on my football.”
“I came to see the manager the day before I signed and he sold the club to me,” he told us. “He told me about his plans and where he wants the club to go. From that I knew it was the right move for me. He was really positive and he helped me make my mind up really quickly.
“My first impressions are very good. The manager is driven and he wants to win every game. Another big reason for me coming here is because I know Colin West used to be a striker. He’ll work with me and make me a better player, and that can only be good. I think I’ve still got a lot to learn and this will be a good place to do it.”
“I’m excited about the challenge ahead,” he confirmed. “I know we’ve got enough to get out of the situation we’re in and I’m looking forward to doing my bit.
“The mood in the dressing room isn’t really down, or anything like that. Everyone is trying to stay positive and it’s a good place to be.”
On his first appearance for the club at Bury, he said: “It was good to get a few minutes on the pitch on Saturday. I felt I did well when I came on and the aim is to keep doing that.
“It was a heavy pitch but I don’t mind that kind of thing. It was quite hard because I didn’t know the lads, or how any of them play. We only had a light session before the game but I enjoyed it anyway.
“The fans were great as well. It’s a big fan base here and it was nice to get so many positive tweets from them on Twitter. It shows how much the club means to people and that’s great to see.”
And on what the fans can expect from here, he said: “I’ve been playing U21 football for a couple of months and I’ve been raring to get back in the game. It’s definitely the right time for me to make a move like this.
“I see myself as a big target man. I like to get on the ball and hopefully I can come here and score as many goals as possible. I think I can be a lead striker and a link up man, if that’s what the manager needs. We’ll see how it pans out here and hopefully I’ll do both.
“Middlesbrough is a good club to be at and it’s a shame I had to leave there, but that’s what I had to do for my career. The facilities over there are amazing, you’ve got everything you need, and I think that’s why they bring so many players through.
“I’ve been there since I was seven years old so it was quite emotional to leave it behind. Like I say, I just felt I had to do it. I’ve played my first game here now and hopefully I’ll get my home debut and a goal on Saturday.”
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