Carlisle United’s newest signing Ryan Galvin says he can’t wait to get started after putting pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal with the Blues.
The defender completed his move this week and is already settling into life at Brunton Park, having met his new teammates and taken part in his first training session.
“I’m happy to be here and looking forward to getting going,” Galvin said after sealing the move. “I heard about the interest through my agent, then the fee was agreed and now I’m here - so I’m really excited about what’s ahead.”
Galvin revealed that Carlisle’s ambition and belief in him played a huge part in his decision.
“It’s a massive club and they wanted me,” he explained. “When you feel wanted, you always feel like you perform better. That was really important for me, and I’m looking forward to playing here.”
A recent visit to Brunton Park also helped convince the 24-year-old that the move was the right one.
“When I came to watch the game [against Wealdstone] and saw how the team were going to play, I thought, ‘yeah, this is a bit of me’,” he said. “Then seeing the fans and the support here just made me more excited about playing in front of them.”
Galvin has signed a deal that will keep him at the club until the summer of 2028, something he feels shows real faith from the Blues.
“It shows that the club trusts me and has plans for me,” he added. “Hopefully I can be part of the journey when we get back into the EFL.”
After completing his medical and meeting Head Coach Mark Hughes, Galvin wasted no time getting down to work with his new teammates at Penrith after training was relocated due to freezing conditions.
“It’s been a busy day,” he smiled. “The conversations with the gaffer were really positive - he talked me through how we’re going to play and what he expects from me. Training was good too. I knew David [Ajiboye] already from a few sessions in the summer, but other than that it was about getting to know everyone.”
So what can United fans expect from their new recruit?
“I’d say I’m quick, I like to drive forward with the ball,” Galvin said. “But I also enjoy defending - especially one-v-ones. I don’t like my man beating me.”
Galvin’s journey to this point hasn’t been the most straightforward. He didn’t sign for a professional club until he was 17, spending time with Wigan Athletic and Sheffield Wednesday before gaining vital experience out on loan and in the National League.
“Coming into the game a bit later can make you more hungry,” he reflected. “Going out on loan and playing men’s football was massive for me. You really learn what football is about when there are three points on the line every week.”
That experience in the National League is something he hopes will stand him in good stead as Carlisle push for promotion.
“I know this league well,” he said. “There are a lot of experienced players here already, but I’ll definitely bring what I can.”
With the Blues firmly in the promotion picture, Galvin admits the challenge ahead is one he’s relishing.
“You always want to be at the top end of the table,” he said. “If we can get promoted, that would be ideal.”
Although he will have to wait a little longer to make his debut due to being cup-tied this weekend, Galvin is using the time to fully settle in ahead of a potential first appearance at Solihull Moors on Saturday 17 January.
“It’ll be good to have a bit more time to learn about the team and how we play,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to stepping out there in front of the fans for the first time.”
