Harrison Neal reflects on Blues and fans ahead of Fleetwood reunion
Harrison Neal says he has “only good things” to say about his time at Carlisle United as he prepares to face them this weekend.
The clash between Fleetwood Town and the Blues on Saturday is a quick reunion for Neal.
The midfielder only left Brunton Park for the Highbury Stadium last week and his third game with the club sees Mike Williamson’s side in opposition.
“It will be weird, but also I’m looking forward to it. It will be good to see all the lads,” said Neal.
“But it is also just another game. As soon as the game kicks off it’s straight focused on that and trying to win it.”
Neal, 23, says he is expecting Fleetwood boss Pete Wild to seek his insights into Carlisle ahead of the game.
And, reflecting on his year with the Blues, he said in a pre-match interview with the BBC: “It didn’t go the way I wanted it to. I felt that I had some alright games, but it’s a results business and the results weren’t good enough, so it didn’t really work.”
On the team’s struggles during his time at and the expectations of a club Carlisle’s size, Neal added: “It’s difficult but it is a very good club to play for. The fans are brilliant, they’ll travel in their numbers, so it is good to play for.
Harrison Neal left Carlisle for Fleetwood last week (Image: PA)
“When you’re not doing well it adds a bit more to it. But I’ve got nothing but good things to say about the club, really.”
Neal made his Fleetwood debut from the bench in Tuesday’s 2-1 win over MK Dons, having been an unused substitute for last weekend’s 2-0 win at Salford City.
The ex-Sheffield United man said maintaining his new club’s recent form under Wild is the aim against Carlisle on Saturday.
“In this league, if you can win your home games you’ll be absolutely fine,” Neal added.
“If you can make your home form brilliant there’s no reason why you can’t be up to the top of the league.”
Neal also spoke of how much he is enjoying working under his former Barrow manager Wild.
“I had him two years ago so I know what he wants – the basics of what he requires in his team.
“But there are new things that he’s added so I’m just getting used to them.
“He’s honest with you all the time. If you’re not doing well he’ll tell you but if you are, he’ll sing your praises.
“He makes it enjoyable to come in every day. I’ve got nothing but good things to say about him.”
