Carlisle United Football Club

“It’s been difficult and tough so far, but it’s been enjoyable,” he said. “The lads have come back in great shape and we’ve got a good week to look forward to with three games coming up.

“There’s a definite buzz about the place. The lads have been pushing each other and we have trialists who have come in and who want to earn contracts. The others who have contracts want to make sure we start well because we want to be up there next season.”

“I wasn’t here for the full season but everyone does want to put it right,” he continued. “There’s a real honesty in the group and I think we’re going to get a lot out of them. There’s a fair bit of quality which has come in to help us to achieve what we want to do.

“The good thing is that there is competition for places right through the squad. In every position you’re looking at four or five good players who can play there. That means you have to push yourself and each other to make sure you get the nod.”

“That’s what this period is all about,” he added. “I’m sure you’ll see us all give 100% because we all want to be involved. These three fixtures will be good games for us and we then go on to league opposition later in the month. That’s when we'll see where we’re at.

“I can’t wait to get back out there. The first few weeks of pre-season is hard running and tough sessions, so it’s the games you look forward to more than anything. Having said that I don’t think the intensity will drop just because we have these games. There’s still work to do and we won’t all be involved for the full 90 minutes. That means we’ll still have to keep going.”

And on settling in now that his move north has been made permanent, he said: “It does feel like my club now. I got to know a lot of the lads at the back end of last season but there are a lot of new lads as well. 

“I’m just raring to go. Like I say, we’ve all come in and worked hard from day one. I’ve come here to be successful, no other reason, so hopefully we can achieve that.”