Gowling played 43 times for Bournemouth last season

Carlisle United defender Josh Gowling has admitted pre-season training with his new club is proving to be the hardest of his career.

The 24-year-old became Carlisle's first summer signing when he joined on a free transfer from Bournemouth in June under the Bosman ruling.

"This pre-season has been the toughest I've had," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"The lads here are at another level to what I was used to at Bournemouth. The football is very different."

Gowling made 43 appearances for Bournemouth last season following spells at West Brom and Danish side Herfolge BK.

The lads here are playing at a much higher tempo and I'm just trying to adjust to that Carlisle defender Josh Gowling

"I've not struggled but it has been hard at times to keep up with the rest of the lads,

"The lads here are playing at a much higher tempo and I'm just trying to adjust to that."

Gowling, who will be vying for one of two central defensive positions along Danny Livesey and Peter Murphy next season, revealed he has been been made to feel at home following his move north.

"You've move on to a new club and you make a new set of friends," Gowling said.

"There's a really good set of lads here who've made me feel welcome and I can't wait until the start of the new season."