Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson has outlined that he doesn’t want all of the current 18 contracted players at Brunton Park going into next season, suggesting that some will almost definitely be moving on to create space in the squad.
It’s set to be a summer of change for the Cumbrians, as they prepare for an immediate return to League Two. They were always going to be up against it in the third tier on one of the smaller budgets in the league, but few would’ve predicted that they would struggle as much as they did.
Paul Simpson’s side would pick up just 30 points all season, finishing at the foot of the League One table in the process. It comes as no surprise to see a large number of players released when they announced their retained list, and there could still be more names leaving Brunton Park this summer.
Despite struggling in the third tier, Carlisle will be expected to challenge for immediate promotion when back in the calmer waters of League Two. The mid-season takeover by the Piatak family should also bring increased funds to the club for the summer transfer window to further help their cause.
However more space in the squad will be needed if Simpson wants to complete somewhat of a summer overhaul.
In an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria Sport, the manager eluded to the fact that he wants a couple of the contracted players to move on from the club this summer.
“The honest answer to it is I hope they’re not all here, that’s all I can say. I’m not going to go into individuals or anything like that because I made that mistake years ago as a manager.
“I hope some of them are going to go, when we put our squad in at the end of the transfer window we’re allowed 22 players over (the age of) 21 and that doesn’t include goalkeepers. Jack Ellis and Anton (Dudik) are the only ones under 21 so they don’t come into the list. The number of players that I want to bring in, I want to clear some out that are currently here and that’s the challenge we’ve got to do.”
Writer’s View
After the season that the Cumbrians have had, it comes as no real surprise to see Simpson wanting to get rid of a couple more players to make room for some fresh faces. He’s certainly sent quite the message out to his players, suggesting that he will be ruthless going forward.
It won’t by any means be plain sailing in the fourth tier next season but it currently doesn’t look to be one of the strongest League Two renewals next season with the likes of Stockport County, Wrexham and Mansfield all gaining promotion.
If Carlisle can get their summer recruitment right, then they’ll be one of the favourites for promotion next year, however that is a big ‘if’ based off of this year’s recruitment.
