Keith Curle has set Carlisle United’s standards for the new season by claiming it will be a “failure” if his new-look team fail to build on last term’s top-10 finish.

The Blues manager wants his side to make a more sustained promotion push in 2016/17.

And as United prepare for their first pre-season friendlies next week, Curle believes greater unity in his squad must deliver even better results after the progress of their last campaign.

“We’re getting more people facing in the same direction, which is massive,” the United boss said.

“The progression we saw last season by finishing 10th was seen as a massive forward stride – and this season the aim and objective is to continue that improvement, and improve on 10th.

“If we finish below 10th, I would personally see that as a failure.

“There’s a story to be had this season, and who knows what’s going to be in that story?”

United’s bid for honours in 2016/17 will involve a host of new faces, all of whom are expected to be involved in the club’s three friendlies next week.

They begin with a behind-closed-doors friendly at Queen of the South on Tuesday afternoon, before a trip to Kendal the following day (kick-off 7pm).

United then go to Workington Reds next Saturday (3pm) with Curle looking forward to his first opportunities to see his new recruits in action.

The Blues boss – who is this morning taking his squad to the Cassius Camps outdoor training centre in Graythwaite near Windermere – said a competitive set of friendlies will help him mould a winning side.

He said: “We have brought in some good quality players and some fantastic pre-season [games] will lead into us being a very competitive team.

“It is going to be an enjoyable season as well. I know I’ve got players who can play.”

The arrival of signings like Nicky Adams will bring extra promotion experience to a squad that missed out on the play-offs last term.

Curle believes they will help further improve a mindset that has changed dramatically since he took charge nearly two years ago.

The United manager added: “We have to make sure there’s a bond and unity in the group.

“We were one of the leading lights last season for gaining points from losing positions.

“When I came to the club, I thought we were soft. When a team scored against Carlisle, the next reaction was, ‘how many is it going to be today?’ That’s changed, and it’s not easy to change. If we get a slap in the face now, you’re going to get one back.”

Curle is on the trail of more signings, having secured Tom Miller on a new two-year contract this week, while also waiting for progress on his bid to tie Alex McQueen to a new deal.

Trialists are also likely to be involved in United’s friendlies, while Curle said his backroom staff of Colin West, Lee Dykes and Simon Tracey are finally on the brink of signing new contracts.

The United manager, meanwhile, says he is looking forward to working with new chief executive Nigel Clibbens.

Curle said: “It’s always good to have relationships within the club. He [Clibbens] is going to be the go-to person, so rather than go knocking on four or five doors, I can go straight to Nigel.

“In some respects the relationship with the chairman [Andrew Jenkins] and John Nixon hasn’t changed. They are still my direct line managers that I still report to, and can still go to. It’s important I have that relationship with them.

“I’ve been impressed with Nigel. He’s contactable, knowledgeable, he understands the game and the pressures.”