Luke Joyce on signing for United for a second time
United's third summer signing Luke Joyce spoke to us about rejoining Carlisle United just moments after his deal was agreed on Wednesday afternoon."It's nice to get it sorted," he said. "Summer can be a time of uncertainty for footballers because you're out of contract and you've got your family and your house to think about.
"I found out the club were interested a couple of weeks ago," he told us. "I've kept in touch with people like Chris Lumsdon, and we've trained at MK Dons at the same time as Carlisle United a few times, so I've spoken to the Chairman and Steven Pattison who were saying nice things about me.
"It was quite a strange feeling when I came up with my dad on Monday," he admitted. "You're not always 100% sure whether it's the right thing, to go back to club you've been at before, but it felt right.
"It's been a really tough decision for me to leave Accrington," he commented. "For myself and for my wife Emily, Accrington is only 35 minutes from my house, and it's a great little club. I've been there six years and I haven't missed many games over that time. I've had some fantastic times there and I've really loved it.
"I think it's fair to say that if it wasn't for Accrington giving me an opportunity after I left Carlisle I might not be a professional footballer now. They were the only ones at the time who wanted to sign me and that allowed me to keep my career going. I've loved every second and I've made some fantastic memories and some very good friends.
"There's a limited squad and a limited budget down there so there are only so many players they can bring in. When you're going through a tough patch, in terms of form or results, it isn't so easy for the manager to bring in new players so they have to stick with you. They work hard with what they've got and there's a real team spirit.
"The facilities aren't great, the budget isn't fantastic and they don't get massive crowds, but the people who do go and the people who are involved love that club with a passion. They all do everything to keep it going and to make it successful. Like I say, it's a fantastic place to be and it has been very hard to leave all of that behind."
On having the captain's armband at Accrington, he said: "It meant a lot to me. I had it for three and a half years, since I was 23 or 24, which is relatively young. It was something I was immensely proud of because I loved wearing the armband and leading the lads out.
And on heading back up north, he told us: "The first time I signed for Carlisle the team was riding high at the top of League Two. There was a massive buzz about the place. We had some great players and characters so I've seen what can happen here when things are going well.
"The fans have been great to me every time we've played against Carlisle. After the warm up at Brunton Park, and after the game, I got a nice reception and it means a lot as a player when you've been at a club and the fans still remember you in a good way. I'm looking forward to building an ever stronger relationship with them."
Part two of this interview will appear on the official website on Saturday morning.