United goalkeeper Mark Gillespie (MG) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) this week after making his first Carlisle start against Preston on Tuesday, Gillespie saying it was a relief to get his opening game under his belt:
MG
I have obviously been here a while so it was a bit of a relief to get the debut out of the way, no mistakes, I thought I did OK so I was pleased and I enjoyed the game. I have been on the bench for a couple of years so it was good to get the chance to prove myself from the start and get into the game easier when you know you are playing, so I was happy to start the game.
JP
You are obviously still a young lad now but when you were a schoolkid, perhaps right at the start of your career, did you dream that you would have this chance to play in the Football League?
MG
Definitely, I started playing football from six or seven all the way through at Newcastle. Then I came to Carlisle and as soon as I came I watched the first team every week and that was always the target. So, to play one game, I know it is only one game, so just pleased with that at the moment.
JP
It is a difficult question for you but how far do you think you are off being able to be a more regular goalkeeper? Do you look at yourself and think that you still do the odd thing that makes you knock yourself on the head or do you think you are about there now?
MG
I think there is still a way to go, games-wise only the one game in and the only way you are going to get better is to play games. So, I realise that I need to improve in what I do on the pitch, in training I am trying to do that every day, so I still think there is a fair way to go but I still think if called upon I could do a job as well.
JP
And what did it feel like when that opening whistle went off and you got underway against Preston? What were the emotions you were going through like?
MG
Just excited really to get going, I just hadn't been able to wait for the game all day. So, I was just pleased that it was underway and nerves were there but I just wanted to get involved.
JP
And after imagining that opportunity for years I am sure it must have been a bit of a knock in the teeth when that goal went in, that horrible deflection off a scuffed shot?
MG
Yeah, it wasn't great, he (David Amoo) has volleyed it and I think it is going out for a throw-in and the lad (Chris Beardsley) has managed to turn it in, and it was in before I could really move to be honest. But, I think the players and everyone involved reacted really well and they gave me an easy ride really, I didn't have too much to do so I can thank them for that. We managed to get one goal back, probably should have got another, so it wasn't too bad although it wasn't a great start.
JP
Greg Abbott, Graham Kavanagh and Tony Caig I presume have the biggest influence on your future and your career in their hands, how is it working under them, how does the dynamic work for you?
MG
Yeah, brilliant, Caigy has been here three or four years now, I think I am lucky there, my first year was a bit interrupted, I had a couple of different coaches but since then I have had one constant coach. It does help you to know that he is on your side and he can work with you every day, it is more of a long-term plan with you, and the same with the gaffer and Kav as well. Obviously, Eric (Kinder) in the youth team was a big help as well, so all those four to thank really, and just hopefully I can keep pushing on now.
JP
Do you have a goalkeeping hero? Somebody you grew up watching thinking I would love to be like that?
MG
One that springs to mind is Shay Given because of where I am from and I went to watch Newcastle a lot and managed to train with him when I was really young, and since then I have always looked up to him. Probably now more so Joe Hart with being England's number one and he came from Shrewsbury in the lower leagues, so there is something to look up to there as well.
JP
Do you have a hope now for the rest of this season, and an indication from the manager on how much game-time you hope to get or have been told you might get?
MG
No, not at all, it is just a case of working hard day in and day out and see where that takes me. Obviously, I want to play as many games as I can, but I have got another year after this so it is just a case of doing as much as I can and trying to give the manager something to think about when he names the team.
JP
So, basically to get to the level where you could be viable competition to Adam Collin on a regular basis?
MG
Yeah, that is why I am here, so hopefully I can do that.