Fleetwood Town loanee Ashley Nadesan notched four goals in 15 appearances from an extremely successful half-season loan spell with the Blues and he confirmed, prior to returning to Highbury at the end of the campaign, that he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at Brunton Park.
“The experience here has been quality for me,” he said. “It’s something I’ll never forget. It is gutting to leave but I’m also looking forward to pre-season and the new challenge that will bring for me.
“All I wanted from the move was to be able to come and show people what I could do and to get rid of the doubts hanging over my head. I wanted to prove that I could actually do it, and I’ve been able to achieve that.
“It’s been such a huge step because before coming here I was playing a mixture of development football or going up against 16-year-olds and things like that. It’s completely different when you come to playing men’s football and I’ve really enjoyed it."
Speaking about the team spirit he found with his new team mates, he told us: “The lads in the dressing have been unreal with me.
“They keep you grounded so you don’t find yourself getting too excited if things have gone well, and they’re there if they think you’re starting to feel too overwhelmed or getting a bit down with things.
“It’s just been good to be part of it all and I just wish we’d made the play-offs – for the fans more than anything else.”
Nine of the 15 appearances he’s made with United since January have been starts, with two of the 23-year-old’s finishes making it into the top ten goals of the season showreel at the end-of-season awards.
“Just to get on the score sheet is fantastic,” he insisted. “To score a couple of quality goals as well has been an unreal feeling.
“My confidence is sky high at the moment and I have a lot to be grateful for from getting this move. It’s a massive thank you to Keith and his staff for taking a chance on me.
“Since coming up here in January I’ve literally never looked back. This move has kick-started my career again and that’s brilliant for me.
“Even when the manager hasn’t started me, I’ve been ok with it. I’d rather be playing, obviously, but the gaffer always had his reasons if you weren’t starting. It’s something you have to take on the chin and all you can do is make sure you’re ready to go if you get picked to start for the next game.”
“As I say, the goals have been fantastic for me, but the real highlight has just to be involved in trying to get three points every week,” he commented. “Minutes on the pitch and scoring goals is what it’s all about for a striker, and I’ve been able to get both, which is amazing.
“The whole experience has been invaluable. The fans have been amazing with me as well and the support they’ve given us at some of the away games shows just how good this club is.”
As for next season, he said: “I’ll be looking to get back to pre-season fit and raring to go and hopefully I’ll be pushing for their starting eleven or match day squad.
“If that happens then hopefully I’ll kick on from there.
“I won’t forget this place though. Carlisle United will always have a little place in my heart now and I’ll be looking out for their results every week next season.”
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