Gavin Skelton: How Simmo and players have improved Carlisle United's fortunes

The Blues are aiming for a fifth straight victory against Newport County tonight (Brunton Park, 7.45pm) with Simpson yet to drop a point since returning to the helm.

Simmo is the third manager under whom Skelton has served as assistant this season.

And the coach says he is enjoying life in the new regime.

“We’ve not worked together before and I didn’t particularly know him before but I feel trust from him,” said Skelton of his fellow Cumbrian.

“When he asks me to do stuff, he trusts me to do it. He doesn’t over-manage me or anything like that.

“That gives me confidence. Everything’s great when you’re winning games and things are all positive, but it hasn’t been hard work in that way, which is good.”

Skelton says Simpson has been "calm and clear", and put trust in him (photo: Ben Holmes)

Skelton said a combination of Simpson’s calm-headed approach and the players’ response on the pitch has been key to United’s improvement.

After being in the relegation zone, they are now nine points above the bottom two after consecutive wins over Leyton Orient, Rochdale, Oldham Athletic and Northampton Town.

Asked what he felt was behind the upturn, Skelton said: “The experience and reputation the manager has, it’s brought a feel-good factor to the club, the fans have bought into it and the players have fed off that.

“Ultimately it comes down to the players on the pitch. Come 3pm or 7.45pm it’s down to the players and they have to take massive credit for that.

“They’ve taken a lot of criticism, rightly so at times, but credit has to go to them.

“Also the manager’s very calm. His message is very clear. As it is with the staff. Calmness and good, clear messaging.”

Supporters have rallied around Simpson as he bids to steer the Blues to safety.

United are aiming for a fourth straight win tonight (photo: Barbara Abbott) (Image: Ben Holmes)

“He knows the club and the supporters, from his past here, love him,” Skelton added.

“At times we’ve had bits of breaks going our way – everything at the moment is going that way.

“We’re under no illusions there’ll be a bump in the road for sure, but we want that to be a long way down the way.

“The players have bought into it, and you get confidence from winning games. Supporters and players get confidence from it, it’s a knock-on.”

Skelton has remained at United after the departures of successive managers, Chris Beech and Keith Millen.

The 40-year-old has at times faced calls from some fans for him to go at the same time as those in the top position.

Skelton has spoken of his love for the job at Brunton Park and his passion to help Carlisle continue improving.

“I really enjoy my job, I work hard at a club I really enjoy working at. If I’m still asked to be here of course I’m gonna stay here,” he said.

“That’s been out of my hands. I’m pleased the manager wanted to keep me on.

“I understand it. I’m sure there’s plenty of things being said – thankfully I don’t read them or listen to them too much, but people are quite happy to ask or tell you in the shop or outside the ground or when you’re walking down the street…

Simpson is the third manager under whom Skelton has served as assistant this season, after Chris Beech and Keith Millen, pictured (photo: Barbara Abbott)

“That’s football. If you like the pats on the back, you have to take the criticism when it comes.

“It’s nice to get some wins and a bit of positivity for the players. It’s not about me. I enjoy my job, hopefully I do contribute to it and people see that in the club. If they want to keep me on that’s great, I’m grateful for that, and hopefully we can keep getting good results and I can contribute to that in some way.

“I really enjoy my job, I do try to work hard every day – I know everyone says that – and hopefully I have a positive impact at times.

“I just want the club, whatever happens this season, to stay up. We’re all the same. However supporters and players feel, I’m exactly the same. I want to contribute to that.”

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