New United signing Josh Gillies (JG) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's Paul Newton (PN) on Friday evening after signing a two-year deal with the Blues, Gillies buzzing to be at Brunton Park:
PN
Your first week as a League One player, how does it feel?
JG
It is dead exciting, I am buzzing to be here and to finally get everything sealed and yesterday was a big relief.
PN
Have you noticed much difference so far between life as a Blue Square premier player and now of course as a League One player?
JG
Yeah, the standard is obviously going to be better and better players around you make you a better player. So, I am just excited for the challenge.
PN
Yeah, have the players helped you settle in quickly?
JG
Yeah, they are a great bunch of lads and they have made me settle in quickly, so I am happy about that.
PN
No footballers enjoy pre-season, how tough has it been this week?
JG
The last two days have been pretty tough, but no footballer likes pre-season. There is a lot of running and not much ball work, but we have managed to get a little bit of ball work in there so it hasn’t been too bad.
PN
Obviously, it has taken quite a while to get the deal through, were you ever worried at any stage that this deal might not come off?
JG
Yeah, I was worried a couple of times, it has been a long process, but finally when it got sealed yesterday I was thrilled, I was over the moon.
PN
I know you are delighted to join Carlisle, at the same time you had a good spell with Gateshead and you will obviously be sad to leave the club?
JG
Yeah, sad to leave but I want to play as high as I can and soon as I heard Carlisle were interested it was a no-brainer. I told the Gateshead chairman I wanted to leave, so to come here is a big step up and I am looking forward to that.
PN
When did you first hear about Carlisle’s interest in you then?
JG
There were a lot of rumours a few weeks after Gateshead’s season finished, but I tried not to listen to them. Then I spoke to my agent and Greg Abbott had been in touch, and then I might Greg and I liked what he had to say and I think he liked what I had to say. So, that was good news.
PN
Yeah, and I know Chris Lumsdon has had a role to play in selling the club to you as well?
JG
Yeah, I have spoken to him a lot and he sold the club well. He told me everything about the place, about the players, about the ground, everything, and I liked what he told me.
PN
There is always been a bit of rumours and speculation surrounding you in the last season or so linking you with certain clubs and certain clubs at higher levels were watching you, did that ever prove a distraction for you, how much were you aware of that?
JG
The lads at Gateshead used to get on to me a bit about that, but I tried to just concentrate on football through to the end of the season, and then whatever happened from then happened really.
PN
Tell us a bit about your background, when did you start your football career?
JG
I went to Newcastle when I was eight years old and ended up getting released from there when I was 15, the year when you go and do your YTS. So, that was a bit disappointing but I had to pick myself up and just get back playing again.
PN
You are obviously from Sunderland, I am guessing you are a Sunderland fan, how did it feel going to Newcastle?
JG
It didn’t really bother me too much, I am a Sunderland fan and I got a bit of stick off my mates but I wasn’t too bothered about putting a Newcastle shirt on.
PN
And obviously you have had a few clubs in the non-league, talk us through them?
JG
Yeah, I played at Whitley Bay and we went to Wembley which was a good experience. I played for Blyth Spartans as well and then I finally got my chance at Gateshead when I was 19, so I took that and that was good.
PN
And of course quite recently you have had international recognition with the England C team?
JG
Yeah, it was a proud moment and one I will never forget really. It was a good experience to go away with the lads and put the England shirt on and play for them.
PN
Describe yourself as a player, what are you hoping to bring to this Carlisle side?
JG
I have got good delivery, I like to think I can put it front of goal and I love to find that killer pass in the final third, so a bit of creativity to the team I hope.
PN
Of course you have been playing effectively at a pro level with Gateshead despite the fact you have been playing in Blue Square Premier, are you expecting to improve and develop as a player now you are going to be training and playing with Carlisle United at League One level?
JG
Yeah, that is what I am looking forward to most, to see the improvement as a player, because when you play with better players and better coaches you are going to improve as a player. So, that is what I am looking forward to the most.
PN
Has Greg had a chat with you about where he perhaps sees you playing in the team this season?
JG
He spoke to me a little bit about that, I don’t mind where I play, I can play either side of midfield or behind the striker, it doesn’t really bother me about that as I’ll always give 100%.
PN
Yeah, you obviously feel quite happy playing anywhere across that front line, do you feel comfortable as well playing perhaps a more withdrawn role maybe in the hole?
JG
Yeah, I like that role behind the striker because you are always involved in the game. You are always looking to get on the ball and you don’t drift in and out of the game, you are always there to make yourself available and get on the ball.
PN
You are still young, how excited are you by this new challenge?
JG
Yeah, I am really excited, I have been buzzing the last couple of days, and I am just looking forward to the next two years playing for Carlisle.
PN
You obviously feel absolutely ready right now for that step up?
JG
Yeah, massively, I have got no doubt in my ability. I think I am good enough, I believe I am good enough and I am going to work my socks off really to prove to everyone at the club and all the fans that I can make the step up.
PN
Your new manager made a bit of a revelation yesterday in revealing that you actually were prepared to take a cut in the wages you were being offered to make this deal happen?
JG
Yeah, that doesn’t really bother me about taking a little pay cut to make the deal happen. It is all about getting the deal sorted, and I want to play at the highest level possible and once Carlisle came in for me it was the only place I wanted to come.
PN
And what have the family had to say about your move into the Football League?
JG
They are really proud, my Mum and Dad are over the moon, they just can’t wait for the season to start.