New signing Reggie Lambe on the challenge ahead
In the second part of our interview with new arrival Reggie Lambe we first spoke about what the fans can expect to see him from when he pulls on the blue shirt.
“I like to think I’m a tricky player,” he said. “I’m happiest when I get the ball on the floor because I like to pass it around.
“Along with that I like to get other players involved and create as many chances as I can. If I can pop up with a few goals, that would also be nice, because I do like to be in attacking areas.
“I’d say that I can cut in and use both feet, but I can also go down the line. I’ll do whatever is needed to link with other players because that’s something I like to do. Whether that’s playing off the striker or with the other midfield players, I don’t really mind. I just want to be on the ball as much as possible.”
As one of five new signings already this summer he knows that there will be no guarantees when it comes to team selection.
“One of the other good things about coming to Carlisle is that there is going to be a lot of competition for places next season,” he said. “That keeps you at the top of your game because you know you have to impress in training as well as during the games. If everyone is feeling that pressure and pushing towards their full potential it can only be good for the club.
“I spoke earlier about the distances involved with travel when you come this far north but that’s something I’m used to. I go on international duty with Bermuda quite often and I had the same kind of thing over in Sweden and Canada.
“I just don’t see it as an issue at all. Playing in different countries has helped me to learn about different styles of play and the different cultures you find within the game. You have to be able to adapt, whichever country you’re in, and that can be a challenge.
“I’ve shown that I’ve been able to settle in and change my game to suit the circumstances I’m facing at the time and I think that’s a very big plus point. It was tough at times in Sweden, because of the language barrier, but there’s always a way through it. I’ve learned a lot about myself and other people along the way and hopefully that will stand me in good stead.
“Looking at the map it feels like I’m coming to a new country with the move to Carlisle because it is a long way! I’m looking to have somewhere to call my own place up there because I want to be away from any distractions which might affect my game. I want to be able to concentrate on my football and play well.”
And when talking about his international duties, he also confirmed that a former-United team mate had given him some good advice ahead of putting pen-to-paper on his new deal.
“Playing for my country is a special thing to me,” he confirmed. “I’ve recently been made captain of the side and it’s hard to put into words how proud I am of that.
“My mum is really, really proud anyway but she couldn’t believe that it had happened for me. It was fantastic to be able to tell her and see her reaction.
“Obviously I play with Nahki Wells and I did speak to him about Carlisle, because I knew he’d been here. He told me right away that I should do it. He said the facilities were great and that it’s a big club which is ready to move up the leagues.
“He actually lives in Manchester so he isn’t too far away. I’m sure we’ll be able to meet up and I do go to see him as much as I can. I respect his advice a lot so he definitely helped me to confirm what I was thinking about the move up here, and I’d like to thank him for that.”
His final word was on his aims for the season ahead.
“I’d love to reach double figures in goals and assists,” he said. “I just want to be playing as much as possible because that will mean things are going well.”
Click HERE for part one of this interview.