New Carlisle United head coach Mike Williamson has set out his aim to instal a brand of football that “gets fans off their seats”.

The former MK Dons boss has made his first comments since his appointment at Brunton Park was confirmed.

He said he was delighted to join such an “historic” club as the Blues and that he was sold on the challenge by the passion of Carlisle’s owners, the Piatak family.

And Williamson pledged to bring “intensity and excitement” to United’s game.

In an official club interview via CUTV, he said: “I’m excited. It’s been a whirlwind, as they always are.

“I’ve just had a look round – it’s a fantastic club, I’m really excited, I’ve got a lot of energy and I’m looking forward to getting started.

“[The last few days] have  been manic, a difficult situation, but I spoke to the owners and Nigel [Clibbens, chief executive] here…I played here many years ago and the club is very well supported – it’s a passionate club, an historic club, and as soon as I spoke to the owners [and saw] the passion and values they embodied, it felt right.

“I can see all the developments going on here. I just want to get on the grass, meet the lads and we just want to come here, give everything we’ve got and we’re here to support the club, and we know we can help the players as well.”

On the style of play he wants to oversee at United, Williamson added: “You’re going to see development of course, we’ve got a certain way we want to play, but mainly we want to bring intensity and excitement.

“We want to attack the back line with every opportunity, we want to connect the fans, get the fans to get behind the team and create that real unity and force.

“When this place is rocking it is a force. It’s about fast attacking football. We’ve got ways we want to play and control certain elements, but we want to score goals and get fans off their seats.”

Williamson said he feels that United “definitely” have the players who can fit into the way he wants the Blues to play.

“We’ve got some really good players – we’ll be looking at things, and we’ll definitely be able to put our stamp on it, but the nucleus here and energy and personality in the squad is something to look forward to.”

Williamson said the passion and support for United, as well as the fact his family are settled in the north east, made the move appeal - along with the calibre and ambition of Carlisle's owners. "I really liked that - that was important."

Williamson will face the media, including the News & Star, at 3pm today.