New boy Tristan Abrahams says he is looking forward to having Carlisle United’s fans on his side – having found Brunton Park “horrible” in the past.

The striker says United’s ground is often regarded as a place opposition players don’t like to play.

And Abrahams says making it a hostile setting for the Blues’ opponents in 2021/22 can work in Carlisle’s favour.

“It’s a place nobody ever really wants to come to,” said the 22-year-old, thinking of his own experiences of being an away player against United.

“It’s a horrible place in everyone’s eyes, with the way the fans make it here and the way the team plays here.

“It’s far, it’s a long trip – I’ve been in a few teams now, and it’s always been the same thing.

“You’ve always got to prepare right to come here and it’s always a difficult game.

“I’m pleased to be a part of that [now].”

Abrahams, United’s first summer signing on a two-year deal, said he is relishing the chance to play in front of supporters again after a Covid-hit season played mostly behind closed doors.

He added: “I can’t wait. Football’s not the same without fans, it doesn’t feel right.

“I just can’t wait to hear a fan sing something good or shout a bit of abuse – I don’t mind. It’s something I have missed. I can’t wait for the season to get going.”

Ex-Leyton Orient and Newport frontman Abrahams has also spoken about his route to Carlisle, which included a spell with Norwich City from 2017-19, where he trained alongside some star names.

“It was surreal, crazy, a big experience,” he said. “To see some of those boys kick on and play in the Premier League is very motivational and I hope I can get there soon as well.

“[I trained with] Max Aarons, Ben Godfrey, Todd Cantwell…[and] a lot of the team that’s still there and has done well.

“It was very good, I enjoyed it, going from Orient to a big club like Norwich – the facilities, the details, the coaching. I enjoyed my time there and felt I learned a lot.”

His deal with United makes it a first spell in the north of England for Abrahams – but the striker insists he had no reservations about making the move.

“Location was never an issue,” he said. “I haven’t actually lived at my home – south London – for the last four years so a little bit further isn’t going to hurt me.

“I’ve been here numerous times playing here; it’s a city that’s very beautiful and quiet. I don’t think I’ll have any problems.

“It’s a challenge I’m going to grasp with both hands and I’m prepared to move to achieve what I want to achieve.”

With the return to pre-season training looming at the end of next week, Abrahams says he can’t wait to be involved with his new team-mates.

He added: “I’m looking forward to meeting the lads – but not so much to the running! But it’s one of those things with football where you have to do all of that, so you just get it done. Hopefully it goes quickly…”