Keith Millen’s patience and personal interest paid dividends in the first January signing of Altrincham full-back Joel Senior.
The 22-year-old has been talking to the club’s website about why he chose Carlisle ahead of other interested clubs.
Senior, who could be included in the Blues squad for tonight’s Papa John’s Trophy game at Harrogate, had racked up nine assists from 26 Altrincham appearances this season.
He said: “The detail the manager went into in terms of how much he’ll be coaching me to make me better, and the full-time aspect of being able to do that at such a big club was really appealing.
“Under his management, I believe I can take my game to the next level.
“I think he’s brought me in to help us get up the pitch with my ability and pace, and it’s then about putting crosses in. Hopefully, that makes chances for our forward players. I’ve scored one goal for Altrincham, and that’s something I want to add to my game as well.
“Getting it done this early in the window is brilliant, to be fair, as I’ve known about the interest for quite a while.
“To get it over and done, and to be able to get going at my new club is perfect for me. Hopefully, it’s a good finish to the season and we can all kick on.
“I’d heard that I was being watched, and it is added pressure knowing that people are doing that because you know you have to be at your best in every game.
“Anybody could be there, but I suppose you accept that if you want to come to places like this you’ve got to take it in your stride. In any game I play, I want people to be watching, so it’s an opportunity that I’ve got to relish.
“I do feel like I’ve been doing well at Altrincham and that my performances have deserved people to be watching me. Knowing that they were doing that has only given me confidence.
“You think about all aspects when you come into a new club, but I spoke to the manager and a couple of the players and they believe they shouldn’t be in this position.
“I obviously know Lukas [Jensen] from my time at Burnley, so I spoke to him, and I also had a chat with Corey [Whelan].
“I’ve watched a lot of our games as well and I believe the squad is easily good enough to push up the table. That’s something we’ve got to turn around.
‘All good’
“I think you do get a bit nervous when you’re going somewhere new anyway. Last night [Sunday] I was a bit nervous about meeting new people, but it’s starting the new year off in a good way, so there’s nothing to be worried about, it’s all good.
“I’m excited to get going and prove myself in this league. Hopefully, with the performances I’ve been putting in this season I can come here and kick on from that.
“The gaffer has told me there are no guarantees and I have to earn my place. I think competition for places is one of the main things you need in football.
“I obviously want to play, but competition and learning from other people will always help me and my game. I think I’ll enjoy trying to get into the team.
“At Altrincham, it maybe got to the point where I knew I had my spot, so it got a bit comfortable. I know I’ve got to fight for every opportunity I get now that I’m here.
“But I want to prove myself in this league and help the club kick on and push up the table. I believe I’m good enough to do that.”
Released at 15
Being released by Oldham Athletic at the age of 15 became a positive in his life, thanks to the support he received from his family.
“My mum, dad, all of my brothers and my sister, one hundred percent they helped me through the tougher times,” he revealed. “They could see I was upset but they picked me up and told me to get going again.
“They took me to where my brothers used to play football and they’ve all been my rock through my career so far. They watch every game they can when I play.”
His career was rebooted at Maine Road FC, and then FC United of Manchester where interest from further up the football ladder started.
He said: “I did well and I knew that I’d keep playing games if I stayed, which is what I wanted to do. That was the main thing for me, and there was the chance that if I was to go another few steps up I might not be playing, or I’d be in an under-18 team, or something like that.
“Again, with my age, playing men’s football made me stand out because I was so young. That’s why I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did, it’s a great club.”
Unavoidable interest
But the subsequent move to Curzon Ashton brought levels of interest that couldn’t be ignored.
“I went to Burnley and I trained with them for a few days, and I agreed to go. It was something I relished when I was there, and I really look back proudly on it.
“It was a bit of a crazy season though. I was out injured from the first game until January, then I was coming back and building my confidence again just as Covid came. That obviously ended the season.
“It was tough, but it’s part of the game. You’ve just got to pick yourself up when you’re low and keep grounded when you’re high.”
His release in the summer of 2020 preceded a move to Altrincham and his first taste of the blood and thunder of the National League. It resulted in several awards at the club’s annual presentation night.
“I played really well last season and I feel like I’ve started this season well too. It’s an experience I’ll keep with me forever.
“The first thing you think when you get released is that because you’ve been at a Premier League club, you might have to go a bit lower, but not as low as I ended up.
“My agent told me to go there and play games, and I loved every second of it. The manager, backroom staff and players really helped me and gave me confidence.
“I’m so pleased I went there, it’s a fantastic place to play football, and I’m proud of what I did there.
“The manager Phil Parkinson is really experienced at that level and he gave me the chance to play and express myself, which is the biggest thing I can thank him for.
“That’s what’s got me here and I’m so thankful to Altrincham for giving me the opportunity. But I’m at Carlisle now, and we have a game right away, which is good.”
