Paul Simpson: Carlisle United boss wants squad to fight for places amid expected January incomings
- Published
Paul Simpson has challenged his players to stay and fight for places despite Carlisle targeting new arrivals post-takeover
Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson says the challenge of new arrivals coming in to strengthen the squad should be a motivator for the current players.
The Cumbrians are close to completing a takeover by the US-based Castle Sport Group, which would bring much-needed investment to Brunton Park.
Simpson has agreed a playing budget which would allow him to make signings.
"I want players to show they want to be a part of Carlisle getting better," Simpson told BBC Radio Cumbria.
"Last summer, credit to the current board they found more money to try to give us a competitive budget at this level. Unfortunately it's a bottom-end budget.
"You can still do OK, because last season in League Two we were in a bottom-end budget, but the players performed; we haven't performed consistently as a group this year so the situation we're in now where there is a change to the playing budget, we are in a position where we can go out and strengthen.
"As a footballer you have two choices: you sulk about and down tools because you don't think you'll play, or you grab the situation by the scruff of the neck and do everything to stay involved in it."
Promotion via the play-offs last season to the third tier was the final act of a remarkable season for Simpson, his first full campaign after a rescue mission to avoid relegation ended successfully the previous campaign.
The Cumbrian club have found the step-up a test, despite the best efforts of the current board to supply the playing staff with necessary resources to compete.
This takeover by the Piatak family, who have bought into the club with attendance at matches and whose business plan was approved by supporters, is nearing completion after they resolved issues around debt that Simpson described as "the biggest obstacle" to the deal moving forward.
"I get a lift listening to the enthusiasm of Tom and Patty [Piatak], and the rest of the family," Simpson added.
"I hope they continue with the enthusiasm they're showing at the moment. They've got some fantastic ideas on how they want to improve the place.
"Not only in terms of the budget to try to help on the playing side, they want to make it a better experience for the supporters.
"The one thing we've got to make better is our results, because if we get even better results, cement a place in League One and a place in the FA Cup second round, then whatever happens between now and [the November 25 game against] Charlton will look a hell of a lot better."