'We have to live with that expectation!' - Promotion only aim for Carlisle and Ajiboye

Another crack at promotion 

Last term ended in play-off semi-final disappointment after finishing third in the league, but they are among the favourites this time around and, as one of the division's biggest clubs, nothing less than promotion is expected. 

It's a label that comes with the territory, but speaking exclusively to DAZN News ahead of the big kick-off, United forward David Ajiboye revealed the expectation isn't something he and his teammates can do anything about.

"I don't think it affects us because when you come into this club, especially at this level, you know that that's the goal," he said. 

"To get out of the league and get back into the Football League.

"So I think it's an expectation we already knew we'd have coming into the club." 

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Much has changed at the club since their play-off defeat to Boreham Wood. The wise old head of Mark Hughes left the Cumbrians having failed to take the club back to League Two, and in his place is a man at the other end of his managerial career in Rob Elliot.

The former Newcastle United goalie performed wonders at Gateshead last season, keeping the North-east club in the league, and he's been rewarded by getting his chance to mastermind Carlisle's promotion bid. 

And Ajiboye has already seen a difference in Elliot's approach to that of Hughes last year. 

"I think the difference is probably more so the tactical side," the 27-year-old explains.

"I think the modern-day managers are very, very tactical and have a lot of meetings where he says, this is what we're going to do for this game, this is what we're going to do for another game and stuff like that. 

"Whereas I think before it was, this is how we're going to do it, and we're not going to adapt to other teams too much." 

An old flame to start with 

For Ajiboye, he hopes to be more involved from the off this season, having missed the start of last term, and he and Carlisle's season begins this weekend when they take on his old club Worthing. 

It's the first time the South Coast club have made it to this level, and will look to the examples set by Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe last season on how they can take their momentum into the new season and cause a surprise or two in the National League. 

Their former star isn't too surprised by the rise, however, as he could see where the club were heading during his spell with the Rebels in 2019. 

He revealed, "I'm looking forward to playing them in the opener.  I always knew they'd get to this level.

"When I joined them years ago, I was there for one season; I could see the trajectory of the club and I'm happy to see them at this level. And I think as time goes on, they can keep pushing.
 

"They've got a top manager, obviously. I've worked with him before and he was at York and he got promoted. So I think they've got a good manager, and a good squad.

"So I wouldn't be surprised if they were capable of being up there."

It's a big game for the forward, but in fairness, like any footballer, he is just raring to go after pre-season and ready for a new league campaign. 

Ajiboye scored seven times in 30 games for Carlisle last season, and although he isn't putting any new targets on the 2026-27 campaign, now there is something to play for, the goal is clear for the campaign. 

Adding, I'm just looking forward to playing and playing for something because, you know, pre-season you're playing games and you win, you lose, it doesn't mean anything. Your score doesn't really mean anything apart from maybe confidence and stuff like that.

"But once you get to the season, you're playing games, you're winning, you're scoring, that buzz you get from winning and scoring is what I'm looking forward to. And we know what is expected." 

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