Mike Williamson on Carlisle United's win at Swindon Town

And the new head coach was keen to direct all the praise to the players rather than himself after the 2-0 victory.

Carlisle got the Williamson era off to the perfect start as goals from Sam Lavelle and Luke Armstrong earned the points.

It came two days after the former MK Dons boss was confirmed as Paul Simpson’s successor at Brunton Park.

There were welcome scenes at full-time as the new United regime and the team celebrated with travelling fans at the County Ground.

Williamson told the News & Star: “The points and the feeling that the fans are going to be driving back up the road with is fantastic, but that wasn't me, that was the boys.

“We've been barely able to affect any change. We've just come in and tried to help and support them.

• Jon Colman's big match verdict on Carlisle United's win at Swindon

“That was the lads that did that. The lads have been desperate to get that win and to put a solid performance in, and that's what they did for the fans.”

United had to battle to get on top at Swindon and were on the defensive for much of the first half before Lavelle forced home a Cameron Harper corner.

Armstrong then added a scrappy second, and Carlisle backed up their advantage with some dogged defending and some outstanding goalkeeping from Harry Lewis.

At the core of the result, Williamson said, was “just grit and determination, just a desire to keep the ball out the back of the net.

“That gives me so much to work with. That's why it's exciting. There’s loads to improve on, but the foundation is there.”

Williamson felt the defiance Carlisle showed in the early stages of the game was the foundation for what followed.

Williamson applauds the fans after United's win (Image: Richard Parkes)

Lewis made a number of sharp saves while United had to survive some scares.

“They had to defend from minute one,” said the new Blues head coach.

“I thought, with the back pass [a miscued Ben Barclay pass which Lewis handled, leading to an indirect Swindon free-kick in Carlisle’s box]…I'm not convinced [by the referee's decision]. He's tried to swing it round to Jon [Mellish], obviously miscued it, but it is what it is.

“From there, when you see the guys running at it and H [Lewis] coming to make a great save, you think, ‘Right, there we go’. We've got a chance because you can see heart in their defending, which is really important.”

United showed early signs of the passing game Williamson is keen to implement, but their goals showed the value of being able to take advantage of set-pieces – something else the head coach was keen to highlight.

• New Blues boss gives update on defender absence

“We can talk about style of play, but if you don't have that need to defend and keep the ball out the back of your net, and win your individual battles [at both ends], then there isn't any identity, really,” he added.

“So, everything is based off that. Hopefully we can try and support the lads and get them to work less and control more.

“But that is the first area that we look at – [to ask] have we got honest, hard-working lads? And it was a resounding yes.

“[That included] Luke, Chas [Wyke] and JJ [Jordan Jones] at the top end. They would have covered some distance and we wanted to make changes and try and impact it, but everyone's contribution was fantastic. We defend from the front and all the way through.”

Williamson, meanwhile, said the positive reception he received from supporters helped underline why he was so keen to join the Cumbrians.

“It was amazing. It really was,” he said of the reaction from supporters.

“People ask me why I came and one of the first answers I give is how well supported it [United] is.

“And we know, when we're back at Brunton Park and it's rocking, it's an amazing place to be.

“I’m looking forward to meeting more of them next week. But, yes, I don't think there's any better feeling for the players to hear the [fans] get behind them, which they did.”