Carlisle boss John Ward is eager to start preparations for next season and believes last season's disappointment will provide extra motivation.United's players return to the training ground on Thursday, and Ward is confident the later than usual start will help the squad.

"We've deliberately scheduled it so they come back on a Thursday. In fact, I read that Manchester United come back on a Wednesday, so it isn't unique to us," he told the club's official website.

"The idea is that we gradually build the lads up and make sure we have them ready for the first game of the season in August.

"If I'm being honest, the way last season ended still rankles a little bit, but we'll soon have that behind us. Once we get the boots back on and get the group back together, then things will start moving on again."

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