Callum Whelan believes Carlisle United are in a good place to challenge at the top end of the Enterprise National League table as the season gets underway with a home game against Worthing this weekend.
The Blues' new vice-captain wants to build on a strong points total from the previous campaign, with excitement building amongst the squad in anticipation of the challenges ahead.
With consistency in the core of the squad who experienced plenty of wins during last season, Whelan is raring to mount a title charge.
He said: "Personally, I feel fit and ready to go, and I think the lads are the same, again it's just exciting now, you know the build-up to this first game this week's been exciting, and we're ready to get into it.
"95 points, it's a great tally for our first attempt in the National League since being here, so as you said, it's a really good foundation.
"We've kept a lot of the boys from last year as well, so it's all set up nicely for us to really go and attack the top spot."
United brought in Rob Elliot as the club's new Head Coach in the summer, someone Whelan has already flourished under at Gateshead.
The 27-year-old was a vital piece of Elliot's midfield at the Heed, and his previous experience working under the Head Coach can help the Blues squad transition to a new style of play which he believes suits him.
"I was buzzing when I knew Rob was coming, I had a great relationship with Mark last year and the staff last year as well but for me it's a manager that I've had before and got a great relationship with him on and off the pitch so yeah I was excited to come back in and get stuck in and I think he'll be great for the group and he'll give us a little bit, five, ten percent more that we need maybe to push on.
"I think I just, when I first went to Gateshead, it was to find enjoyment again in playing football and he was perfect for that. Everything's front foot, positive; it's sort of that, you know, it's fine to make mistakes, he just wants the demands he sets as long as you're doing them, he's happy.
"I just love playing for him. I really enjoy the way he plays, and I want to be front-footed attacking, and that suits me."
Whelan is now entering his third season at Brunton Park, and having been so close to promotion last time out, falling short in the play-offs, there is added motivation to push on this season.
With a settled squad and added quality, he feels like everything is set to have a really positive season.
"It's like I say all the time how much I love it here. It was difficult when I first came, and last year we had a good go.
"Personally, it feels like perfect timing to really kick on, and if we're successful this year it'll be it'll be amazing for me."
