Manager James Tose admits he “cannot wait” for Carlisle City to kick-off their Hallmark Security League campaign today.

City will get their 2017/18 Hallmark Security League, First Division campaign under way with a home game against Chadderton (3pm kick-off).

Other sides in the Sky Blues’ league – like Nelson, Litherland REMYCA and Alsager Town among others – began their campaigns with FA Cup ties last weekend while Tose’s men were left with a blank weekend.

But City, who made a good start last term before they finished in mid-table, will be looking for a similarly fast start this time around.

“I cannot wait,” Tose said. “It has been quite frustrating, but we are desperate to get going now.

“We have four home games out of five in August. I’m not sure how that has come about, but I’m not complaining about that.

“Hopefully, we can get off to a good start.”

And boss Tose feels Carlisle City are in a better position with the size of their squad this season than they were last campaign.

He said: “I think we are in a stronger position this year. We have a stronger squad and a fitter squad.

“We have had a good pre-season. Now, we are looking stronger than the opposition in the final 20 minutes. I’m just looking forward to kick-off on Saturday.”

Chadderton finished slightly above City last season in the final Hallmark Security League Table, although they did miss out on a play-off spot.

“I think they have lost three of their better players,” Tose said. “But I’m led to believe that they have brought in five that are quite decent. They are quite a young team.

“We let ourselves down a little bit at our place last season. We got beat 1-0 at the end of the season. But we are much better this year and I fully expect us to score.”

City will go into the game without Dan Greenslade who is getting married, while Dan Balmer and Jamie Heath will be attending Gleenslade’s wedding.

Craig Benjamin [formerly Craig Cherry] is on his honeymoon and Michael Slack will miss the start of the football season while he plays cricket.

Tose added: “I’m not really too worried about that. In an ideal world, we want to pick our best side. But what we have got this season is a stronger squad.”

City will visit Nelson on Monday.