Carlisle United head coach Mike Williamson believes the January transfer window could prove make or break for his team as the Cumbrians continue to fight against a second successive relegation.
It’s been a dreadful first half of the campaign for the Blues. They moved to the foot of League Two following a Boxing Day defeat against fellow strugglers Morecambe but picked up their first win since early November against Accrington Stanley yesterday.
This saw Carlisle move up to 23rd and close the gap to safety to just one point. With the transfer window set to reopen later this week, Williamson knows the potential impact new bodies could have on his squad and the fight for survival.
“Could Not Be Any More Important”
The former MK Dons boss has confirmed that he will be on the lookout for new additions next month. Speaking to Carlisle News & Star, the 41-year-old said:
“I think it could not be any more important, I think the position we are in is a very difficult one so it is very important.”
Carlisle have already completed their first piece of business following the acquisition of midfielder Will Patching. The 26-year-old was announced on Friday and joins from League of Ireland side Derry City. Continuing, Williamson admitted that he may not be ready for league action just yet, with the Irish league concluding in November:
“He is going through a bit of a mini pre-season at the minute, so I don’t know when he is going to be fit for a start but he is quality.
“He is a really good age and he has had a really good upbringing. He has played a good amount of football in the last few years so he is someone we think we can develop and go on a journey with and make an instant impact.”
Writer’s View
January is an opportunity for Carlisle to hit the reset button and they will no doubt be hoping to get their business done quickly. Patching could provide much-needed stability in the middle of the park, but more arrivals will be needed to steady the ship. In the meantime, yesterday’s win over Accrington provided a huge boost ahead of the New Year. Play-off chasing Crewe Alexandra will provide a stern test on New Year’s Day, but they’ve given themselves a fighting chance with their first three points in almost two months.
Head of Writing
