Continuing our look at the different experiences of the various clubs as they prepare for the new season, we speak to Carlisle striker Michael Bridges.

What have you been up to over the summer?

"I took a couple of holidays at the end of last season. The first was a golf holiday down in Newquay for four to five days and the second was 10 days in Tenerife with my wife, just total relaxation."

Did you watch the World Cup?

"I watched every single game from start to finish, which didn't go down to well with my missus while we were away! I was a little disappointed with this World Cup to be honest, I don't know why but it was a little bit of a let down, especially with England going out quite early.

"I don't know what was wrong with England, the only thing I can put it down to was the heat. Apparently each player lost an average of 10lbs of water through sweating each game, so if that was the case they would've found it hard to cope with the pace out there."

How have your pre-season preparations been going?

"Fantastic! I worked with the new gaffer when I was at Bolton and he is top draw. He's introduced new scientific fitness regimes and the lads have really taken to it, they're fit and raring to go. We beat Dunfermline a couple of weeks ago and lost in the final of a tournament in Ibiza on penalties. Next up it's Sunderland, which will be our toughest test, but we've already beaten a SPL side in Dunfermline, so we're capable of pulling off a shock."

Have you brought in any new signings?

"The ex-boss brought in Kevin Gall at the end of last season from Yeovil and I'm really looking forward to playing alongside him. He was on the books of Newcastle as a kid and he's scored some fantastic goals, so that's a great signing. David Raven's a fullback who we signed from Liverpool but I haven't had the chance to see him play much because he's picked up a few injuries."
Which of you're team mates should we be watching out for?

"Kevin Gall's definitely going to be a big hit this season. He can play up front or on the right and he's got pace. Also, watch out for Chris Lumsdon. He's got experience of playing in this division with Barnsley and after an early season operation last year he was instrumental in our push for promotion."

What are your thoughts on the new season?

"After back-to-back promotions we've got to make sure we steady the ship and avoid relegation. With the squad we've got we should be looking at mid table and the top half is definitely within our reach."

Which grounds are you looking forward to visiting?

"I played at Nottingham Forest when I was with Bristol City last season and I'm definitely looking forward to going back there. Swansea have got a spectacular new stadium, which will be great to play inside. And also here at Carlisle. The Chairman has spent a lot of money of a brand new pitch and when I trained on it this morning it was absolutely fantastic."

Who is your tip to win the League?

"I'll say Nottingham Forest. They've got the experience and a club like that deserves to be up there with the big boys. They're a massive club, you just need to think back to Cloughie's era to remember how big they were, and I think everyone would like them to do well. It was similar to when Manchester City dropped all the way down a few years back before getting back up and it would be nice to see the same thing happen to Forest."

What are your personal ambitions for the season?

"To bang in a load of goals for Carlisle United! No, the priority to help the team get off to a really strong start because the way you start the season often determines how well you do later on. Hopefully I'll score plenty of goals but as long as the team does well that's all that matters. I'm also aiming to strike up good partnerships with Kevin Gall and Karl Hawley, as I think we may be playing with three up front this season."

Have the preparations for this season been different from last year?

"Well, we've got a new manager and all of the old coaching staff went to Preston, so it was completely different. We didn't know what to expect but with the new scientific approaches the gaffer's brought in we're fitter than ever.

"The coaching has been fantastic and the boys have been saying they've never felt so fit going into a season. I've not felt this fit since my first season at Leeds! We're all ready and fingers crossed we'll have another successful campaign."