Paul Simpson has highlighted an attacking “focal point” as a key part of his Carlisle United recruitment drive.

The manager wants to better equip a side that equalled a club record for the fewest goals in a league season in 2021/22.

United mustered just 39 goals in 46 League Two games.

And Simpson said giving the Blues better presence in the final third is going to be all important.

“Strikers who can score goals are the hardest to find. But we have to do it -  we’ve got to find somebody,” the manager said.

“We’ve got to find a focal point for our attack. We’ve not been bad in two thirds of the pitch but it’s the final third where we haven’t done enough.

“Sadly I think the scoring record of 39 goals this season tells a story.”

Simpson, at the end of the campaign, also highlighted the need for more “legs and energy” in midfield.

It is that department where he has turned first in the summer market with this week’s signing of Annan Athletic’s Owen Moxon.

Simpson said the way United finished the season in terms of midfield options underlined the fact reinforcements were needed.

“Brennan Dickenson’s not an out and out midfielder, Jordan Gibson’s not,” he said.

“I accept we lost Callum and Jamie Devitt to injury, but you cannot lose [certain] players and then have to play so many other midfielders out of position.

“It tells you you’ve got a bit of an issue. We have to get a better balance to the squad, improve it in all areas – and I mean all areas.

“And that’s what we’ll try and do.”

Simpson believes United also need to “manage” games better.

It follows their 20th-placed finish in League Two after Simpson arrived in February to save them from the drop.

The United boss has since brought in ex-Carlisle manager Greg Abbott as head of recruitment and work is continuing on further transfer targets.

READ MORE: Peter Murphy: Why new Carlisle United signing Owen Moxon is ready for the step up