As the Blues prepare for Saturday’s trip to Altrincham, we caught up with centre-back Terell Thomas to get his thoughts on the season so far, life with the armband, and how the team continues to grow week by week.
Having played a key part in a defence that’s kept six clean sheets in the opening nine games, Thomas was quick to credit the collective effort.
“It’s been a very positive start, all I can say. The work that’s gone in since pre-season – and even back towards the end of last season – has shown how we’ve grown as a squad. We’ve built a clear understanding of how we want to play and approach games. That comes from a really hard-working pre-season, and now we’ve just got to keep the momentum going.”
Pressed on a standout result so far, he pointed to the away win at Brackley as a key moment.
“That was a frustrating one because they just sat in, but we stayed patient. The big thing was our confidence – we didn’t panic, didn’t get sloppy. It would’ve been easy to switch off and go 1-0 down. But everyone stayed concentrated and it showed we can win the ugly games too.”
Those kinds of results, he said, are every bit as important as the bigger wins.
“It’s not flashy like a 5-0 or 3-0, but it gives you a different kind of confidence. Brackley on a Wednesday night, long trip, tough pitch – to get a result in that type of game shows we can adapt. You’ve got to be able to win those as well.”
Thomas has captained the team in every league game except the season opener, and reflected on the role and how he approaches it.
“It’s not something I really think about during a game. I’m the same person with or without the armband. My personality doesn’t change – I try to be positive, lead in training, set the tone. It’s not about wearing a band on your arm, it’s about how you carry yourself day-to-day.”
There was no dramatic conversation around the captaincy – just a straightforward decision made by the manager.
“Mark didn’t put pressure on it or anything. It wasn’t a big talk, it was just: this is the decision. And that was that.”
Leadership, he admits, is something that’s grown over time.
“When you’re young, you’re not as vocal, but your personality grows. I’ve always been confident in the dressing room, but you learn how to channel that and influence people the right way. As a centre-back, you kind of have to be a voice across the team. It’s part of the role.”
He also made a comparison that underlines his view of leadership.
“Not every captain is a shouter. I don’t think Messi’s in the Argentina dressing room screaming at everyone – he leads by how he plays. That’s the kind of leadership I believe in too.”
His passion has been clear this season, particularly in post-match celebrations in front of the Warwick.
“That comes from how much I love winning. Every time I step on the pitch, I give everything, and I expect the same from everyone next to me. That’s the minimum. And this season, I’ve not once felt like someone isn’t giving that.”
On the fans, his praise is just as strong.
“Massive impact. Last year, it felt like the mood around the place wasn’t quite there at times. This year, it’s different. It goes both ways – we’re performing, they’re seeing that, and the energy comes back to us. You feel it when people are throwing themselves in front of the ball, the fans respond to that. It builds a proper atmosphere.”
Carlisle’s defensive record has been one of the early markers of success – but Thomas was quick to deflect credit.
“Clean sheets aren’t just about the defence or the keeper. It starts up top. If those lads are pressing and forcing mistakes, it makes our job easier at the back. The forwards are the first line of defence. They don’t always get credit for that, but I always say it before a game – our defensive performance starts with them.”
He’s also formed a strong partnership at the back with Bevis Mugabi.
“We bounce off each other well. He’s calm, good communicator, and we both like to defend aggressively. We challenge each other during games – sometimes a little dig is needed, and that’s part of it. We know when one steps out, the other is there. It’s a good understanding.”
Asked whether that’s been built in training or through instinct, he pointed to a bit of both – and the manager’s role in encouraging flexibility.
“The gaffer mixes it up a lot in training, so you build relationships with different players. It means if someone drops out or comes in, everyone knows each other’s roles. It’s smart – and it’s why people can step in and perform straight away.”
He’s come close to opening his account too, forcing a big save in one of the home games.
“I’ll catch one clean soon enough. And what a finish from Bevis the other week – proper striker’s instinct that, following in and hitting it early. Really nice finish.”
With another free week before Saturday, training hasn’t eased up.
“We’ve kept the tempo high. Weirdly, sometimes the free weeks feel harder than when you’ve got games – the sessions are intense. They’re trying to train us harder than we play. It keeps you sharp.”
The mood in the group is focused but relaxed.
“We don’t over-talk it. It’s not like people are stressing in the changing room – we’re joking around like usual. But on the pitch, in training, there’s a real focus. We’re all putting the work in.”
On Altrincham, Thomas isn’t reading too much into it yet.
“We’ll look at clips and get a feel for how they play, but it’s still a game of football. Same idea: stop them scoring, score at the other end. We’re confident, but there’s always respect. They’re trying to win too.”
And on Jimmy Knowles, who’s already racked up goals and assists, he’s not getting drawn into individual battles.
“I don’t really look at it like that. I watch clips, but I’m not learning everyone’s names. It’s about how they play as a team, not just one player. If it’s another Brackley-style game and we have to dig in, then so be it – we’re ready for that.”
Finally, on the away support – and another sold-out away end expected – Thomas was full of appreciation.
“It’s amazing. Every away game this season, it’s been packed. At Woking on the opening day, that whole side was Carlisle fans – it doesn’t go unnoticed. And it matters, massively. It gives you a lift. Sometimes it doesn’t even feel like an away game. It can rattle the other team too – they’re not used to hearing the away fans louder than their own. It’s a proper boost for us.”
