By Amanda Little

Last updated at 13:17, Wednesday, 16 July 2008

Cleveland Taylor is determined to hit top form next season – and finally win over the Carlisle United boo-boys.

Cleveland Taylor

The winger reckons fans are still to see the best of him after he failed to make a major impact following his £50,000 arrival from Scunthorpe in January.

Taylor endured his fair share of stick from a section of the United support after he struggled to rediscover the form and fitness that made him a key part of the Scunthorpe side which ran away with the League One title in 2007.

The 24-year-old admits he is now feeling more settled at Brunton Park and is relishing the chance of a fresh start when the season kicks off against Bristol Rovers on August 9.

He said: “I’ve been looking forward to getting back into training – and I’m raring to go again. I have to show I’m worth every penny Carlisle paid for me.

“I came back in good shape and I was really looking forward to getting back into work and seeing the lads again. The season can’t come soon enough for me.

“This pre-season is going to be very important for me. I signed midway through last season and I wasn’t 100 per cent because I had been ill before I came up here. Without a good pre-season you are playing catch-up all the time.

“I was getting stronger and fitter as last season went on and I didn’t want it to end. There’s a lot more to come from me next season.

“I didn’t settle in as soon as I thought I would. I moved away from home and had to adjust to a different lifestyle so it took a while. Coming back and starting with the whole squad is an added bonus.

“I knew I was playing catch-up last season and it was tough but the team was in a good position.”

Taylor admits he’s grateful that John Ward stuck by him as he struggled to find his feet last season, and hopes to repay the United manager’s faith by helping the Blues in their quest for promotion to the Championship.

He said: “It’s a massive season for me and I want to kick on and get Carlisle into the Championship.

“We were disappointed to miss out last season and the only way we can top that is if we win promotion.

“You can see by how well we did last season that the squad is good enough, and with the addition of a few new signings we will be even better.”

First published at 11:45, Wednesday, 16 July 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk