Josh Gillies on signing for United
Attacking midfielder Josh Gillies admitted today that he's looking forward to the challenge of making the step up to League One football now that his two-year deal with the club has been finalised.
"I've done my medical and everything is signed so I just want to get stuck in now," he said. "It's been a frustrating couple of weeks, because it's been on and off, but I'm over the moon that I'm finally here."
"From the first time I met the gaffer I've only wanted to come here," he admitted. "I really liked what I heard and I think he was pleased with what I had to say. I've had my heart set on it ever since.
"I had to miss the first training session on Wednesday because I was at the club trying to sort things. I've managed to come down and meet the lads now and I already feel like I'm fitting in. I'll get to know everyone over the next couple of weeks and hopefully things will push on from there."
"I know it's a big step from non-league to League One football but I had a good season last year and I think I'm ready for it," he insisted. "We struggled at Gateshead last season but I still managed to get the goals and assists to help the team to get out of the relegation battle. I think that was a really good experience for me."
And on his decision to make the move across to Cumbria, he said: "I think everybody wants to play at the highest level they can so as soon as I heard Carlisle were interested I knew I wanted to come here.
"Greg [Abbott] had spoken to one of my previous managers and he told me that he was interested. I also knew that Kav [Graham Kavanagh] had been to watch me a couple of times, so it was just a case of waiting to see if anything would come of it. Obviously I'm really pleased that it's gone the way it has."
But for those who haven't seen him play, what can we expect?
"I like to think I have a decent delivery and I'm good in the last third of the pitch," he explained. "Hopefully I can produce that again this season so I can show the fans what I'm all about.
"I was a bit nervous when I was thinking about that kind of thing as I drove into the club car park, but I just want to get my head down and get stuck in now."
"We obviously still go through pre-season in non-league football but I am expecting it to be more difficult here," he admitted. "I feel ready for that and hopefully that will just make me a better player.
"It will be a challenge but it's one I can't wait to get my teeth into. I can't wait to get going again. The manager has told me to work as hard as I can and let my talent come out. I just can't wait to be involved now."
"Gateshead is a great club and I enjoyed my time there. The fans were fantastic with me and it is hard to move on. Having said that, this is a real opportunity for me and it's one I had to take. I'm determined to make the most of it."
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