INTERVIEW: A good and talented group here

“I’m very pleased to be staying here,” he said. “For me it’s about playing games and I wasn’t getting that opportunity at Shrewsbury at this moment in time. I’m looking forward to the next six games and we’ll see where that takes us.

“I think I’ve done ok so far, but there’s still a bit more to come from me. There have been a few iffy moments and I’m looking to improve on that. I’m enjoying the work with Keith Curle. Each manager has different philosophies and methods, and they come across in different ways, but he has made me feel very welcome. 

“I feel like I’ve settled in well and I’ve been pleased with what I’ve seen. I’m the kind of lad who can get on with anybody, so that helps. The atmosphere around the dressing room is really good and you need that if you’re going to put any kind of promotion push together. We had it at Shrewsbury last year and that’s how we ended up going up. 

“There’s a very good and talented group of players here and there’s no reason why this club can’t push on and perhaps go for automatic. I’ve only been here for a month but the standard of everything is excellent. With the togetherness we have at the moment there’s no reason why we can’t do it.”

“All you can do when you get to the position we’re in now is keep trying to win every game,” he told us. “With the promotion I had last year it was a case of winning your home games. I think we only lost twice there all season and if we can do something like that here we’ll give ourselves a real chance.

 

“Mind you, looking back at my debut against Yeovil, when we were two down within minutes, I couldn’t believe it! It couldn’t have been a worse start. What I then saw was the tremendous character we have in the squad, and they don’t like to lose at all.

“We’re aware of the goals we’re conceding but I think that comes down to the way we’re playing our football. Everyone wants to attack all the time and we’re looking to create openings and score goals. It’s down to the lads at the back to try and stay organised, but as long as we’re winning I don’t think it matters too much.

“I think the gaffer has brought me in to help because of the experience I have. I’ve played almost 300 games and you obviously learn a lot through that. I like to talk and listen and the lads around me are the same. It’s a very good blend and I seem to slot into it well.”

Speaking about his future, he said: “I have another month here and that’s where my focus is right now. I want more games under my belt and to do well for this club. After that - who knows what will happen in the New Year?

“I haven’t really spoken to Shrewsbury about it so it’s just a case of me making sure I do well with Carlisle. If that leads to something here then I would be willing to look at it. I would never turn anything down and I’m always willing to listen to what any manager has to say. The aim for me is always to be playing games so I’ll listen to any club who has that to offer.”

Next up for the big defender and his team mates is the trip to face Welling United in the second round of this season’s FA Cup competition.

“It’s a game that isn’t going to be easy,” he agreed. “We have to go there and show them the utmost respect. I’ve played in the Conference myself so I know what these teams can throw at you. 

“They’ll see us as a big scalp and we have to be aware of that. Their intention will be to cause an upset so we have to be professional and do the job properly. I’m expecting them to come at us and try to make us feel uncomfortable, so we’ll have to deal with it. 

“Obviously the aim is to get through but they’ll be thinking the same. There’s no point looking forward to the next round at this stage because that’s when you come unstuck. Welling are a decent side and we have to remember that. 

“It’s the FA Cup and you shouldn’t ever think you can predict what’s going to happen. If we don’t do it properly they’ll press us and get on top. It’s down to us to get the ball down and play it our way. 

“As I say, I played at that level and I know first hand that the standard is improving all the time. We’ll have to be ready for what they will do. I played for Torquay in the Conference against Yeovil and we beat them, and that was down to the way we approached it. 

“If we go to Welling with the wrong attitude then there’ll be a good chance that we will end up losing the game. None of us want that, so I’m sure we’ll do things right.”