Lewis Alessandra says Carlisle United need a range of different leadership qualities next season - and not "11 Roy Keanes".

The experienced forward was picked to lead the side in Saturday's friendly at Workington Reds.

He was the latest player to get the armband in pre-season so far.

While Callum Guy has been appointed skipper for the 2021/22 season, boss Chris Beech has made a point of asking various players to lead the side, saying every player must be ready to step forward.

Alessandra says he was pleased to captain the team at Borough Park and said United can have leadership all over the pitch - and in different ways.

He said: “It was nice, although I couldn’t actually find the armband so didn’t actually have it on…

“Lewi Bell did it in the week and Danny [Devine] the second half. The gaffer’s words were to try and get people to come out of their shell a little bit, but he doesn’t really need to do that with me.

“ I’m not a screamer and shouter, I’m more of an encourager.

“You all have different personality types. You’re not gonna have 11 Roy Keanes all screaming at each other…I can imagine there would be fight after fight every week.

“You need different personalities. Some people lead by example and get about their job quietly. I’m really happy for Callum [Guy, United’s captain for 2021/22]. I’m sure he’ll take that responsibility on even more and come out of his shell even more.

“Cal last year was probably one who captained by example, just in his performances – didn’t need to say much, just the way he plays, you know what you’re getting every week, an eight or nine out of 10, which is why he got all the accolades he did.”

Alessandra says he sees no reason why United cannot stay the course for longer in a promotion race next season.

The forward believes the Blues have recruited well to add to the core of last season’s 10th-placed squad.

Alessandra, speaking after the 3-0 win at Workington, says United’s aims are clear as they look ahead to 2021/22.

“To go one better than last year,” he said, when asked about the Blues’ targets.

“Because of the way the season panned out, and where we were come January 2, it almost felt like a bit of a failure towards the end, the way we went from top of the league to finishing 10th.

“If you take stock and look at it, from where we were the season previous, you’ve got to say we’ve done ok – it’s just the way it went doesn’t feel like that at the time.

“We’ll most certainly be looking to go one better this year and be right up there. I don’t see why we can’t with the quality we’ve kept and brought in.”

United continue their pre-season programme with a trip to Chorley tomorrow night before a game at Kendal Town 24 hours later.

Alessandra is one of the remaining members of an attacking unit which has otherwise seen plenty of change this summer.

Offrande Zanzala, Joshua Kayode and Omari Patrick have departed, with Zach Clough and Tristan Abrahams so far coming in.

Alessandra is encouraged by what he has seen from the new boys.

“I remember playing against Tris last year for Newport and he was a handful,” he said.

“You can see Zach in particular has got that quality. Even though – no offence to the sides we’ve played so far – it’s not gonna be the same in our league, you can [still] see we’ve brought some quality in.

“There’s quality in every position. If we do pick up and injury or suspension there’ll be someone chomping at the bit to step in.

“They’re all great lads as well, which is always a plus – you want to create that nice but competitive environment where everyone’s pulling in the right direction, and hopefully that direction’s upwards as high in the league as possible.”

Alessandra says United’s game at Borough Park on Saturday was another worthwhile workout – despite the baking hot weather.

“It was tough – so hot – the conditions have been tough but it’s the same for both teams,” he said.

“The surface didn’t really help either; it’s the longest grass I’ve played on since probably being at school. I don’t know why it’s this long to be fair, they [Workington] like to play good football and get it from the back.

“But it was a good workout for everyone and we’ve come out unscathed with no injuries, that’s the main thing.”

Alessandra says the work United put into Saturday’s game was simply what boss Chris Beech demanded.

“One thing we will not be able to do under the gaffer is slack off and not press and work hard, whether it’s two degrees in December or 26-27 degrees.

“I don’t think the gaffer really cares what temperature it is, working hard is something you have to do.

“The result isn’t the be all and end all but it is nice to win and score goals. It’s good to be ruthless this early on. We’ve got another couple of weeks to keep improving before the season starts.”

Alessandra, meanwhile, praised Workington’s approach to the game despite their 3-0 loss to the League Two outfit.

“I thought they were very good – I liked the way they played,” he said.

“I don’t think the conditions really suited it but they were good.

“It was nice to see Lighty [Liam Lightfoot] who was with us last year and I thought he did well.

“They were good on the ball at times. It was a tough test. They did themselves proud.”