United media officer and first team kitman Andy Hall spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips ahead of Carlisle's League One match at home to Brentford this afternoon, Hall looking forward to the start of a new season :
" There are a few new players on show out there today aren't they. I think the way the lads have played in pre-season, the way Greg (Abbott) has recruited throughout this pre-season, it is plenty for us to think about and be excited about.
" What a nightmare the kit has been, I could use your whole show today without any commentary talking about this. We have had a real drama getting kit into the club, I am just pleased to say that it is here and we can play in our home kit today.
" The good thing for us is that two of the back four (Sean McDaid and Frankie Simek) haven't had a pre-season for two and three seasons respectively. So, they have got used to working together, they have got used to working with Ian Harte.
" I think from the way they have played and the way we have seen them start to gel together, they are only going to get better. If they can continue what they have been doing in this last three or four weeks then it is going to be a good season at the back, and hopefully upfront. "
" I think everybody understands what it is we are trying to do this season. It will be horses for courses, different formations, there will be times when players are asked to step up and perhaps they haven't played for two or three weeks. But, the lads all understand that, it is a very tight squad this time around and hopefully that will reap benefit as well.
" I think the exciting bit is just the fact that we are here doing it again and ready to go. We finished so well last season, now let's carry it on and continue it, let's hope that the fans get behind as well and we can all do this together.
" Everybody's thoughts and fingers are crossed for Val Armstrong because she is just a massive Carlisle United fan. She always talks about us on a Saturday morning, helping to start to whip up the atmosphere ahead of the game.
" We just hope that she is back here quickly, I know that she has got a season ticket, I know she was queueing the other day ahead of the operation to get her ticket for Tuesday night. So, that is the dedication that she has got, I think it is only right and proper that the club did something in respect of that, and let's hope that Val is back here very quickly. "