Carlisle United: signs of progress in training ground talks

The Blues boss says he has heard of some “positive movement” in talks over a new facility for the club.

Simpson said there are now indications that Carlisle could have pitches ready at the proposed new facility in a few months’ time.

United’s hopes that they could use the new pitches at the start of pre-season look unlikely to be fulfilled, but Simpson said he was encouraged by fresh signs of movement on the plan.

“I was told yesterday [Tuesday] that there seems to be some positive movement in terms of a training facility,” said Simpson.

“[I’ve heard] that, at some point – not for June but further down the line, maybe after the first few months of the season, we might have something extra to go on.”

United, Simpson added, will start pre-season in late June on their own training pitch at Brunton Park.

That is currently subject to an overhaul with drainage improvements being applied to the pitch.

“We expect to be starting pre-season out on the back pitch, which, credit to [groundsman] Dave Mitchell, he gets it in a really good state for us,” added Simpson.

Tom Piatak recently challenged the council to speed up the process of discussions over a new United training ground (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I think we're actually spending more money on it this summer to make sure that's better.

“I don't remember last season having the drainage put into it, which has been done now, so that's a real positive sign.”

Signs of a breakthrough in the training ground talks come after public comments from United owner Tom Piatak about his frustration at the pace of things.

• READ MORE: Carlisle United talking to two transfer targets, says Simpson

He last week called on Cumberland Council to speed up discussions and move beyond “meetings…to action and execution.” The council have not responded to the News & Star’s invitation to comment.

United want to build a state-of-the-art training centre with the site for the development widely understood to be at the Sheepmount in Carlisle.

Simpson, meanwhile, said that while such major off-field developments are important, he will not be sidetracked by them as he concentrates on rebuilding the United squad for the 2024/25 season.

“My focus is on the football, and all of that administration, all of those other bits and pieces, are going to be for other people to deal with,” he added.

“We've got to get a squad of players ready for next season.”