We spoke to Junior Luamba ahead of tomorrow’s trip to AFC Fylde.
Speaking to CUTV, Junior began by talking through his first month at the club, explaining: “I’ve really enjoyed it. Obviously, the lads have made me feel very welcome. The coaching staff have also helped out massively since I've joined.
“We've been having pre-season training, which has been tough, but I'm glad the hard part and the big bulk of the pre-season training has come to an end now, and now we can look forward to the games.
“With the training we've done, I think it's benefited the lads a lot. We've played some good sides in pre-season and that's only going to help us moving forward. I think fitness levels and all-around feel about the place is really good.
“The boys are a really close, tight-knit group, so I think going into the season, that's going to play a massive part.”
Speaking on the test against Motherwell, Luamba said: "It was obviously good opposition. It gave us a good chance to see baseline fitness levels.
"For myself, it was just really good to, after a long period away, just get back into the swing of things."
And on the game with Newcastle United, he continued: "That game was tough, as you'd expect from the quality of the opposition. But like I said before, same with the Motherwell game, It's just a great experience for the group. Obviously, it's good to test yourself against that calibre of opposition. But yeah, I really enjoyed it.”
On coming in as a new addition, and finding his way as a Carlisle United player, Junior explained: “I think, personally, you just try and give your all on the pitch. In training as well, everyone wants to push each other. I think, personally for me, it was a thing where I wanted to get settled in really quickly.
"On the pitch, you want to be building relationships as quick as possible. Because the quicker you build those relationships, the more fruitful the team can be and produce good things. But yeah, I've really enjoyed it since coming in.
“I'm just looking forward to really kicking on and getting going this season.”
The lads just returned from a pre-season training camp in Wales, which Junior spoke about, saying: "It was good. I really enjoyed it. Obviously, a change of scenery. Training as well was really lively.
"Some parts were tough, but I'm really glad we went to Wales. We had a nice time, and the boys as well, it gives us a chance to bond. A few players that you don't speak to, it gives us a chance to really talk and bond, like I said."
The winger also showcased his skill to play the piano whilst in Wales as captured by our Head Physio, Sophie Birnie.
"I play quite a few instruments. Luckily enough, there was a piano at the hotel that we're staying at in Wales. And I just decided, you know, we have a lot of free time. So, I just started playing on the piano.
"Sophie and the lads came in. And, you know, everyone was quite shocked to learn the fact that I play the piano. But, yeah, it's been in the locker for a few years now. I just pull it out whenever I need to.”
Looking ahead to our test against AFC Fylde, Junior said: “We have to respect all the oppositions that we come up against. I know Fylde are going to do their best in the game to disrupt the things that we're trying to implement in the game. I know there's a few things that the gaffer wants to implement for the team.
"It's a perfect opportunity for us to try it out. It'll be the first time now that we do 60-30 [minutes]. So, it's going to be interesting, but I can't wait to play the game."
Speaking on the buzz of playing in front of the Blues supporters for the first time, Junior said: “I’m really excited. I know with Carlisle, it's a big club. The fan base, I've heard that it's amazing. So, yeah, I can't wait to feel the energy of the crowd.
“Even though it's going to be a pre-season game, it's going to be the first time that I play in front of them and they get to see the lads as well.”
Luamba also spoke on his excitement of potentially hearing his chant, based on the song 'Tequila', he said: "I always do enjoy when I hear the fans chanting that song. But, yeah, I just can't wait for the game and if they do sing it in the game, I'll be really happy as well.
"I'm really looking forward to playing in front of the fans and being involved in the game on Saturday.”
