Louis Storey says the opportunity to help Carlisle United build on last season’s 95-point campaign was too good to turn down after arriving as Assistant Head Coach.
He has reunited with Head Coach Rob Elliot, having previously worked with him at Gateshead and Crawley Town, continuing a coaching partnership built on trust and shared ambition.
Storey’s path into coaching has included roles across different levels of the game, including a behind-the-scenes position at Newcastle United, shaping a philosophy built on detail, standards and hard work.
On his arrival at Brunton Park, he said: “Delighted, buzzing to be here, I just feel like it's a fantastic opportunity, so [I'm] happy to be able to be at this huge football club with a fantastic fan base, and also work alongside Rob once again with the talented squad that we've got at our disposal."
He admitted the scale of the club and its trajectory were key factors, explaining: “The success that the players and previous staff had with achieving 95 points, to then be able to grow on top of that and push that to the next level and get success and promotion was obviously something that was massively appealing.
"But more importantly, the impact the football club has in the area, how much it can grow on and off the pitch, and how the football club is set not only for potential success over the next 12 months, but for success over the next three, four, five years.
"I want to be part of that journey.”
A major influence on his move is his relationship with Rob Elliot, with Storey describing a long-standing level of trust between the pair. He said: “Rob's someone that I know really well and I really trust, and I'd like to think that we complement each other in terms of our working relationship.”
He also highlighted the environment around the club as a key factor, referencing the impression created during early conversations about the project and staff. Storey said there was a clear sense of “buzz about the place” and a “genuine warm feel” that reinforced his decision to join.
Reflecting on his coaching journey, he admitted it has been shaped by setbacks as well as progress. “There’s a hell of a lot. There’s been ups and downs and I’m glad to be sitting here knowing and feeling that I’m a better person and a better coach for that.”
Storey also spoke about the mentality he developed as a player, which now underpins his coaching standards. He said: “Truthfully, I was always aware that I wasn’t the most technical or physically blessed, but what I did do was harness and maximise the things that were in my control.”
He added that those standards were built on repetition and discipline: “If someone did three pitch runs, I would do four. If someone did half an hour in the gym, I would do 45 minutes, sometimes 60. Then I would go away and study the game.”
Now working with a squad that finished last season on 95 points, Storey believes the challenge is refinement rather than overhaul. He said: “We’re in such a good position, knowing we’ve already got that in the bank from last season. It’s about building on it, adding a few pieces, and finding those extra one percents that take us to the next level and, ultimately, promotion.”
He is clear about expectations for the season ahead – promotion, adding: “That is the number one target. We’ve got so many resources and tools at our disposal to make that fully achievable, and it will only happen through sheer hard work, dedication, and maximising what we have.”
Looking ahead, he stressed the importance of structure, consistency and emotional control across the season, rather than reacting to individual results.
He also reflected on the atmosphere at Brunton Park, describing it as “energetic” and “electric,” and something he is eager to experience from the home dugout.
“There will be times when we need the supporters to push us that extra step beyond what we might be feeling on the day,” he said.
Storey’s message as he begins his role is clear: build on strong foundations, maintain high standards, and push a club he believes is ready to compete at the top end.
