Kyle Dempsey is excited for the new season to get underway, and can't wait for the season to begin after the first week of pre-season training.
Dempsey – who made 51 appearances last season in all competitions for Town – says there are good vibes around the club with new Head Coach Joey Barton and his coaching staff taking charge of training thissweek.
The 22-year old has spoken to Barton about his role for the upcoming season – with AFC Wimbledon Town's first opponents of the 2018-19 campaign – and believes now is his time to be more consistent, and show his worth.
“The new boss has gone out of his way to speak to me about how he wants me to play,” said Dempsey.
“The manager wants me to play like I did towards the end of last season, and bring that into every game next season.
“He knows I should be setting up goals from midfield and scoring more and between us, we have set a target of me getting 8-10 goals this season. And with that coming from a player who had an amazing career, it gives me so much confidence.
“I think I have realised that over the last two years that I haven’t contributed as much in terms of goals and assists, but if I am given that chance of being in a more attacking role, I will be closer to the opponents goal.
“The fans will see a different side to me, and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.”
The Englishman signed for Town on a permanent deal in May 2017 after a successful loan spell, and with Barton at the helm, being a leader is one side Dempsey wants to show on and off the pitch.
He added: “I have shown leadership at Carlisle when I was captain at a young age.
“The manager is looking for that type of player on the pitch and people need to show that, and I think with my performances, I show that I can be that leader by being more vocal and demanding on the pitch.
“I believe on and off the pitch I present myself in a professional way, and that can only help me going forward.”