Carlisle United's new loan signing Callum Camps is relishing the opportunity to get back to regular football after completing his move to Brunton Park from Stockport County.
The experienced midfielder, who has made over 400 appearances in the Football League, joins the Blues having previously represented Rochdale, Fleetwood Town and Stockport County, and is eager to make an impact in Cumbria.
Camps admitted he was delighted to finally get the move completed after a period of waiting.
"Yeah, good to finally get it done. It's been about a week, ten days in the waiting, but finally got it over the line and can't wait to get going."
The 30-year-old explained that the opportunity to play regular first team football was a key factor in his decision to join Carlisle, while also highlighting the appeal of the club.
"Just I think the situation I've been in, I need to get games in for myself, really, and coming to a club like Carlisle, a big club, so I think it just fit perfect for me."
Despite spending the majority of his career in the Football League, the midfielder has no concerns about making the step into the Enterprise National League.
"I think I've played with quite a few lads who have also done it, do you know what I mean?
"So I know I've obviously not played in the National League, but I know I can see how strong of a league it is.
"And like I say, I've got no problems with it at all. I just want to play games and I'm ready for it."
Camps is also familiar with Brunton Park, having scored on his debut at the ground for Fleetwood Town, while he was also part of the Stockport County side beaten by Carlisle in the Sky Bet League Two play-off final at Wembley back in 2023.
The midfielder spoke highly of the club and the challenge of playing in front of the Blues' supporters.
"Just a massive club, do you know what I mean? Especially now they're playing in the National League as well.
"I can't see many clubs that are bigger than Carlisle in this league. So I think it's always been a tough place to come to when we've played here in the past and obviously the play-off final that you beat us in.
"Yeah, I just think it's a great club to come to."
Having not featured regularly in the first team this season, Camps is keen to make up for lost time, insisting he is in a good place physically and mentally ahead of his move to Cumbria.
"Physically I'm in a good space. The last few months I've been training every day and playing in the games when I've been called upon.
"Mentally, I'm just raring to go, I've not had many minutes this season.
"So that's just what I want to get in now."
Camps revealed he had already spoken with Head Coach Rob Elliot about his role within the team and was encouraged by the conversations.
"I spoke to him last week. He told me what he wanted from me and where he sees me playing, and I feel like it fits me perfectly.
"So I just can't wait to get going, really."
Having experienced promotion during his time at Stockport County, Camps believes he can bring valuable knowledge to the United dressing room, particularly for some of the younger members of the squad.
"Just the experience of being in a team that's winning most weeks.
"I've obviously played in teams that are down there and it's tough, but being in a team that's confident and can come back when they get beat and stuff like that.
"Yeah, I think the experience that I'll bring to some of the younger lads here, I think I can help them."
Finally, Camps outlined the qualities supporters can expect to see from him on the pitch, with hard work and a desire to make things happen central to his game.
"Just high energy, work hard, try and get on the ball.
"And obviously, like I say, I've not played many minutes, so I want to try and get goals and assists and just help as much as I can."
