Midfielder Anthony Griffith on coming to Brunton Park
Midfielder Anthony Griffith spoke to us ahead of his first training session with the club on Thursday morning to give us his thoughts on his move to Brunton Park.
"I wasn't looking for a move away. I was just looking to play football. Keith [Curle] contacted me and I just wanted the chance to play football again, wherever it was. I made that clear to the manager and we took it from there."
"Not playing regularly has been interesting," he agreed. "I've taken time out but I haven't just sat back and done nothing. I've been doing courses and coaching and I've been able to appreciate watching the game again. Sitting on the subs bench isn't nice but I've been able to watch things I haven't noticed before, even down to how good some refereeing decisions are. It's all opened my eyes and I've appreciated it in many ways.
"The last year or so has left me feeling like I've got something to prove. A big part of football is proving people wrong so I'm hoping I can do that here. I enjoyed the drive up here this morning but I don't think I'll be doing that too often. I like to let my body relax so I'll be doing more relaxing than driving.
"I'm looking forward to the first training session - I'll introduce myself by going out there and smashing everybody!"
On getting his match fitness levels up, he said: "I'm a big fitness fanatic, I'm a level three fitness coach, so I take care of myself. "That's the way it's got to be in this day and age. You can't just rely on your ability.
"I play with a passion and a fire in my belly. I'm very determined and I try to influence the people around me. After speaking to the manager I presume the team needs that. I'm ready to come in and be a leader.
"It is a challenge to get the team out from where we are but, come the end of the season, I want us to still be in the league. I feel like a big kid again. I just want to get out there and show the manager what I can do. I'll do whatever the manager asks because the young players need to know that this is a dog fight."
"It is a challenge to get the team out from where we are but, come the end of the season, I want us to still be in the league. I feel like a big kid again. I just want to get out there and show the manager what I can do. I'll do whatever the manager asks because the young players need to know that this is a dog fight."
"I will relish the battle," he confirmed. "I'm not going to say it's my type of scene, because I've played in teams at the top of the table, and I've enjoyed that. This challenge does suit my style of play because we need grit and determination. I don't think it's about pretty football in the situation we're in. It's about results and who wants to give everything on that day. I wear my heart on my sleeve and my desire will probably get me through most of the games.
"There aren't any games in League Two you can look at and think it will be a pretty game of football. They're all going to be a battle. It'll be a challenge until the end of the season so the more points we can get on the board early doors the better it will be."
And on his international appearances, he said: "I'm a Montserrat international and that comes from my dad's side of the family. When I was playing for Port Vale somebody got in contact with the club and told me about the opportunity.
"It was good because I didn't really know that side of my family. I went over to explore and ended up being the captain of the country. I'd definitely be involved in it in the future but my main priority at the moment is to keep Carlisle in the league."
United Player subscribers can see a video interview with Anthony Griffith now. Click HERE to go to the Player platform. Follow the same link for more information on United Player, and to subscribe.
Click HERE to see a clip from this interview on our YouTube channel. Follow the same link for more FREE content right from the heart of the club.
