Carlisle United new boy Archie Davies on joining the Blues

Davies is the latest of seven summer signings to declare himself convinced by United’s new ambitions. He signed from Dundalk on Tuesday and made his first appearance for the Blues that evening against Kendal Town.

It is hoped that the 25-year-old will prove an energetic new option in the right wing-back position at Brunton Park in 2024/25. Davies may be one of those examples of Carlisle casting their recruitment net wider than before: something Tom Piatak, the owner, had urged the club to do this summer.

United’s eyes were on the League of Ireland when it came to Davies, and if the Blues are hoping that particular league has primed the Sussex-born player for a return to English football, Davies himself cannot speak highly enough of recent experience.

If Carlisle are getting a player in form and in confidence, that is down to how the Irish game, and the environment at Dundalk, has transformed Davies’ mindset.

“Leaving England [in early 2023]…I was a bit in no-man’s land,” he says. “I struggled a bit with confidence, belief and, ultimately, the love for playing football.

“Going over to Ireland, I really found that. I found my smile, found my love for the game again. And I think you could see that in my performances out there. I really enjoyed myself on the pitch.”

Davies is on the back row, second left, with Dundalk (Image: PA)

Davies’ efforts for Dundalk, which included fans’ player of the season recognition and a place in the Irish top flight’s team of the campaign, vindicate his views. As the former Brighton & Hove Albion, Crawley Town and Aldershot Town player now hops back over the water, he advocates his journey to others who may be drifting.

“It was definitely a different route than most people would take. But I'd encourage it if you're not enjoying it, just to go out and play,” he says.

“Ultimately, if you're enjoying it, you're more likely to play well. And I found form and managed to consistently stay at that level.  I think that was mainly down to enjoyment, to be honest. I've got a lot of people to thank over there for helping me out.”

Davies says it was always intention to rebuild this stage of his career to the point where positive opportunities in England would re-emerge. It was a “big aim,” he says, to get back into the EFL and adds that confirmation of his move to Carlisle has left him with “a lot of proud family and friends.”

The move, on a two-year deal, saw United at the top of his list of suitors. “It was a few weeks now [that I first knew of their approach]. There was interest from Scotland, Ireland, all over really. But my main ambition was to get back in the Football League.

Davies in action for Carlisle against Kendal (Image: Ben Holmes)

“And when Carlisle came in…you just have to see what's going on around the place, with the changes at the stadium, and the recruitment's been very good, I think, this year.

“It's a big club and it's got big aspirations. I wanted to be a part of that.”

Davies started at Brighton, where he progressed through the youth set-up to earn a professional contract and one first-team appearance. “Then Covid hit,” he says. “I went to Crawley for a couple of years, which was a bit up and down. I had some good times, some difficult times.

“Then a brief stint at Aldershot, which, I'll be honest, I didn't really enjoy. An offer came out to go to Dundalk and I signed a two-year deal there, and just hit the ground running. And here I am now.”

Davies, should he hold off the challenge of Jack Ellis, can expect a key role in Paul Simpson’s system for United’s return to League Two. He believes he can help Carlisle get on the front foot down the right of their team.

“I like to think I've got a lot of energy, a lot of pace. And when I get into crossing areas, I like to get the ball in the box – and hopefully, more often than not, the quality will be there. I hope to create chances and maybe get one or two [goals] myself.

“I think a lot of my qualities are going forward. I do like to defend as well. But I think I stood out a lot in Ireland through my attacking play and contributions higher up the pitch. So, even if there are one or two minor tweaks, hopefully I'll get used to this [wing-back] role here very quickly.”

Of his conversation with Simpson as the deal progressed, Davies says: “I liked what he had to say. I’ll learn how he works day by day.

"But he has that history of getting this club promoted and I'll be working with him very closely, and hopefully we'll achieve that goal.”

There are a couple of familiar faces for Davies at the start of his new chapter. He played alongside Ben Barclay in Brighton’s under-21 side, while he worked with strength and conditioning coach Adam Kwiecien at Aldershot. “But apart from that, it’s brand new. But it’s exciting.”

Davies has served the apprenticeship of his career and got over some early hurdles too. Now, having flourished in Ireland, he intends to do the same in Cumbria.

“The development phase is over [for me] now. I'm here to get results, do well, hit the ground running,” he says. “You’ll hopefully see me at my prime years.

“Hopefully there'll be a lot of things to celebrate and we'll have some good times here.”