The Blues have bolstered their goalkeeping options by signing Archie Mair on loan from Morecambe until the end of the season.
Speaking to CUTV following his arrival, he said: "I'm delighted to be here.
"Obviously it all came about very quickly, but yeah, delighted to be here and get it done.”
“I spoke to my agent and he asked if I fancied it, and I said yes straight away. Things got ironed out yesterday and I drove up this morning. So it's been very quick, yeah.”
Mair has already spoken with Goalkeeper Coach Jack Cudworth and is looking forward to working with him. “We had a really good conversation. I try to improve myself as a goalkeeper, so I’m excited to get started on the pitch.”
The 24-year-old will also reunite with familiar faces in the dressing room. “I played with Callum Whelan and Stephen Wearne at Gateshead. I spoke to both of them before coming up and it’s nice seeing familiar faces. The lads have spoken very highly about the club and all the people here, which sold it to me as well.”
Mair was also impressed by the Blues' season and overall stature. “You can tell straight away it’s a massive club. A great stadium. Everything about this move was a no-brainer.”
The goalkeeper began his career at Aberdeen, moving through their youth system before a spell at Norwich. “I loved my time at Aberdeen, 10 years from the age of 8 to 18. Then I moved to England to give it a go, and Norwich made that very easy for me. I was hungry to come down and try it.”
Loan spells and senior experience have been vital in his development. “As a young goalkeeper, you need to get out and play games, challenge yourself in the men's game. It’s definitely helped improve me over the years.”
He also brings promotion experience with Notts County. “A few years ago we got promoted, so I know what that feels like. Hopefully I can help bring something to the group and add to the push for promotion.”
Reflecting on one of the highlights of his career in the play-off final, Mair recalled, “It’s probably the best day of my career so far. Wembley, the occasion, helping us get promoted - it was very special [after saving the penalty to send the Magpies back into the EFL].”
Looking ahead, he is keen to integrate with Carlisle’s goalkeeping unit. “Gabe’s done brilliant since he came in. I’m looking forward to training with him, learning from him, bouncing off him and pushing each other every day.”
His ambition at Brunton Park is clear. “Just to help the group, push Gabe, work hard and really help the team push forward this season.”
And to the fans, he said: “I’m really excited to be here. Hopefully we can have a good season together.”
