Paul Simpson wants to restore home rule at Carlisle United next season by making Brunton Park a stronghold again.

Simmo has enjoyed an excellent record at the Blues’ home ground since returning to the helm.

And, after winning five from seven at Brunton Park, the manager says United must maintain that sort of form if they are to build better times.

“I think it’s excellent,” he said of the recent home record, “and if you want to have any level of success you have to win games at home.

“If you can, and nick a win or a draw away from home, that’s what it’s all about.

“We have to make this a really tough place to come. We’ve got to.

“It’s a big pitch, so when you play against good sides in the league, they like it here because it’s a really big pitch.

“I thought we used our pitch to our advantage against Stevenage [last weekend].

“David [Mitchell], the groundsman, does a great job, making it as good as it is. We have to make sure we use it.”

Carlisle had one of the weakest home records in the division until Simpson’s arrival in February.

Since then, United have chalked up vital wins over Rochdale, Northampton Town, Bristol Rovers and Mansfield Town, followed by last Saturday’s victory over Stevenage.

Prior to Simpson’s arrival they had won just three out of 16 home league games during the campaign – now that stands at eight from 23.

And his record of five home wins from seven games is all the more impressive given it had taken United 21 home league games to win their previous five.

They are still the second-lowest scorers at home in the division this campaign, with 19 goals, only bottom side Scunthorpe having found the net on fewer occasions (15) at their own ground during 2021/22.

Carlisle also need to score on the last day of the season at Bradford City this Saturday to avoid sharing an unwanted piece of United history.

If they fail to find the net at Valley Parade they will end the League Two season on 39 goals from 46 games - equalling the record lowest total in the club’s league history, a mark set by Harry Gregg’s Third Division relegation side in 1986/7.

United, meanwhile, can overtake Mark Hughes’ hosts in the table on the final day with victory.

The 14th-placed Bantams are two points ahead of Simmo’s 18th-placed Blues.

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