Boreham Wood's surprise exit from the National League play-offs at home to Carlisle has left a lasting impact on the Cumbrians, with new head coach Rob Elliot vowing to fight for the title in his first season. Elliot made the switch from Gateshead to Brunton Park following the departure of Mark Hughes last week. In a wide-ranging interview with BBC Radio Cumbria, Elliot said he expects the Blues to operate on a reduced budget this season following their surprise exit. Elliot said: "I don't think we will be spending the money we have previously spent and probably one of the reasons I'm here is being able to find players at this level that can give you the most value – players we can develop and hopefully stay with the club and be successful." Elliot said the "sheer size of the club, the potential and the players that are here" attracted him to the role and everything he does will be geared towards returning the Cumbrians to the EFL following their relegation from League Two in 2025. He said: "The owners have put so much into the club, on and off the pitch, it probably hasn't gone the way they wanted, but hopefully with my experience at this level it's a natural (fit) and something that's very exciting. I'd have really regretted it if I'd not taken the opportunity." Elliot said it's a "non-negotiable" that Carlisle fight for the National League title in his first season. Everything he does will be geared towards that. It's not going to be simple, but the challenge and opportunity to do that, to have more resources than he has had before, will stand them in good stead. Elliot initially took over at Gateshead in a caretaker capacity in September 2023 after Mike Williamson departed for MK.