Midfielder Teddy Jenks says Carlisle United can make an early statement when they travel to table-topping Boreham Wood in the Enterprise National League on Saturday.
Jenks joined the Blues from Worthing earlier this week, arriving at Brunton Park after an impressive spell with the Rebels.
The 24-year-old has wasted little time settling into his new surroundings, already feeling at home among his new teammates and the United staff.
He said: "It's been really welcoming. All the lads have been brilliant, the staff as well.
"It's been a perfect week."
The move to Cumbria represents another step forward in Jenks' career after a productive period with Worthing, where he enjoyed his most prolific spell to date.
Having operated in a more advanced role, he believes the experience has helped add another dimension to his game.
"It's probably one of the first times in my career I've played that far forward in a team.
"But I've really enjoyed it. I've been able to pick up some good numbers within the squad.
"I've really enjoyed playing that sort of role."
Jenks feels United provide the ideal environment for him to continue that development, with the opportunity to play regularly in front of a sizeable support a major attraction.
"I think for me, obviously, I've done well at Worthing over the past couple of seasons. And I think this is, even though it's the same league, it's a step up in quality of players.
"You look at the size of the stadium, playing in front of those fans every week. I think this is the right place to be for me right now."
Now, his attention has quickly turned towards his first potential appearance for the Blues.
United are looking to build on their 4-2 win against Scunthorpe United last time out, with Jenks knowing United will have to be at their best against Luke Garrard's side.
"We've had a look at them. They're a strong side, a really strong side, and they'll be full of confidence at the minute as well. We expect a really tough game.
"They've got some good players, and they're coached well. It'll be one to watch for sure."
However, rather than focusing solely on the challenge posed by the Wood, Jenks believes the fixture presents United with an opportunity to show the rest of the division what they can do.
"I think it's not so much a blow to them.
"It's just more of a marker to the rest of the league. I don't think they've lost yet, have they?
"If we go to their place and get a win, I think it sets a marker to the rest of the league to know what we're about this season."
