Kyle Dempsey admits it will be 'special' to return to former club Carlisle United with Bolton Wanderers tomorrow and has tipped Whites team mate James Trafford to have a 'really bright future' in the game.
The 26-year-old came through the youth team ranks at Brunton Park, making his debut for the club in January 2014. He scored 11 goals in 51 games in the next season-and-a-half at the Cumbrians.
Since then, he has spent time at the likes of Huddersfield Town, Fleetwood Town, Peterborough United, Gillingham and has been at Wanderers since the end of the January transfer window. He made a deadline day move from the Gills as a deal got over the line.
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Dempsey heads back to his former stomping ground tomorrow with Wanderers, whom he had a limited impact for in the second half of last season owing to injuries. After getting a full-preason under his belt, he feels a completely different player and is aiming to properly kick on with the Whites this season.
The midfielder will take on his old club and admits it will be strange to play in a different team's kit at Brunton Park. But he believes it will be a 'special' return for him and will be aiming to for victory over his former employers.
Speaking to the News & Star, Dempsey said: “It will be special to come back, even if it will feel a bit strange, being there in a different kit and team.
“But the Carlisle fans know what I’m like. You know what I’m like. I never treat games as a friendly. Even though it’s a team close to my heart I’ll still be giving 110 per cent to try and win.
“I’ve come back for pre-season like a totally different player. I feel strong again. Sharp. I’m able to do everything I want to do on a pitch, whereas last season I wanted to make certain runs and do other things but wasn’t able to do it.
“Now I feel I’m at a strong stage. I knew exactly how the gaffer wants me to play, I’ve had numerous meetings with the coaches, the details of positions where I need to receive the ball, my different role in this team…I’m loving every minute of it and really excited to see how the season unfolds.
“I still feel like I can play in the Championship, and now I feel I’m at a club where the aspirations and drive is to get to the Championship, and we’re not going to settle for any less than that. We just need to deliver on a consistent basis.”
Dempsey is joined at Wanderers by fellow Cumbrian Trafford, who is on loan from Premier League champions Manchester City for the upcoming campaign. The goalkeeper had a successful spell at the club at the second half of last season.
Trafford has recently signed a new-long term deal with City which will keep him there until the summer of 2027. Dempsey believes the loanee has a 'bright future' in the game and spoke warmly of his Wanderers team mate.
Dempsey said: “He’s a great keeper He’s a big character as well at such young age, and I think you need that. You can see the confidence he possesses and you can see how highly City rate him with the contract he’s just signed to 2027.
“It’s nice having someone who understands back home and how it is. He’s based near Cockermouth, and it makes the drive easier, because we can spell each other off. He drives one week, me the other week. He’s a great lad and has got a really bright future.”
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