Last updated at 11:56, Monday, 23 July 2012

Alessio Bugno hopes he has done enough to win a contract at Carlisle United – after some words of encouragement from his Tour de France star father.

Alessio Bugno

The trialist left-back is due to find out this week if he will be given a full-time deal after spending the first two weeks of pre-season on trial with the Blues.

Bugno quit Italian football at the end of last season after four years at Monza, looking for his big break in the English game.

The 22-year-old Italian was encouraged to pursue his dream by his father, former Tour de France runner-up and two-time world road racing champion Gianni Bugno.

Bugno senior finished second behind the legendary Miguel Indurain in the 1991 Tour de France – won yesterday for the first time by a British rider following Bradley Wiggins’ triumph.

Bugno faces competition at Carlisle from former Cardiff City left-back Jonathan Meades, who can also operate at right-back, after the pair were both given a run-out during Saturday’s 4-0 friendly win at Barrow.

“I’m hoping in a couple of days things can be sorted as I would be very happy to stay here,” said Bugno.

“I have made new friends during my time here and I like the city very much.

“I played at League One level in Italy for four years but I felt at the end of the season I wanted a change and English football is the best.

“My dad follows my career and has told me to do what makes me happy. I was into cycling until I was 12 years old and then turned to football. My dad is a helicopter pilot now and wants to come to Carlisle to improve his English.

“I’ve tried to do my best – and I hope it was good enough. There are a few clubs interested but Carlisle is my first choice.

“The club has a very nice stadium and I like the city. I like the way the fans walk around in Carlisle United shirts and are very passionate.”

Blues boss Greg Abbott, who is taking his players away to a week-long pre-season training camp in the north east today, is due to make a decision on Bugno and his other trialists this week.

Bugno played in the second half against Barrow, while Meades was given a full 90 minutes on both flanks.

Former Falkirk, Aberdeen and Dundee United midfielder Mark Kerr was also in action, along with former Darlington midfielder Dale Hopson.

Carlisle’s players will spend the week on a training and team-bonding break this week, but continue their build-up to the new season when they play Durham City tomorrow night (7pm).

First published at 11:28, Monday, 23 July 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk