Stephen Wearne believes Carlisle United head into the new Enterprise National League season in a strong position after rounding off pre-season with a 3-0 victory over Derby County under-21s.
Wearne, who opened the scoring on the afternoon, was pleased to see the Blues finish preparations with both a convincing win and another positive performance under Head Coach Rob Elliot.
He said: "We got everything we needed from it. Three goals, a clean sheet, so we couldn't ask for much more today.
"We're looking forward to getting going next week."
With another week of work under Elliot and his coaching staff, Wearne feels the squad is continuing to make progress as they adapt to the new ideas being introduced.
"The message was just about building those foundations.
"It's a new group with new players, everyone's still gelling and getting to grips with what the management team are asking of us.
"It was good to score three goals and I think we improved on the concepts we've been working on, so happy days."
Wearne got United up and running with the opening goal and admitted it was one of those finishes that instinct simply took over.
"I just made a run in behind, Jel (Jack Ellis) just found me with a good ball and there was a bit of a scramble.
"It just bounced onto my left foot and I volleyed it in."
The finish drew comparisons to his goal against Eastleigh last season, something Wearne was more than happy to acknowledge.
"Similar, similar, so hopefully there are a few more of them to come this year."
Having recently returned to action after a minor injury setback, the midfielder says he is delighted to be back out on the pitch ahead of the opening weekend.
"It felt like a long off-season and I was just raring to go.
"I picked up a little injury, but it's been nice getting back out there with the lads and hopefully it can be an enjoyable season."
Wearne also believes pre-season preparations have evolved in recent years, with greater emphasis now placed on tactical work alongside building fitness.
"Pre-seasons are maybe changing a little bit with the modern managers that are coming in these days.
"You find yourself doing a lot more tactical work and a lot more detailed work while still trying to get the fitness in.
"There's been a lot to take in, but I've got a really good feeling about it and I think there's a good feeling amongst the group as well."
United's summer additions have quickly settled into the dressing room, with Wearne praising both their quality and the impact they've already made.
"Kents (Kenton Richardson) is one of my close friends, so I was really happy when he came in.
"The new boys have all been excellent. You can see why we've signed them because they've got real quality and they've gelled in really nicely.
"I'm looking forward to working with them and, like I said, I've got a good feeling about it. Hopefully we can have a successful season together."
