Comment: Why the loan market could be crucial for Carlisle United during the summer transfer window

With every fist-pump, every beat of his chest, Dynel Simeu endeared himself further to the fanbase.

This was a loan player who got Carlisle United. He wasn't the first to do that, nor will he be the last - but he will certainly rank among the most memorable when it comes to forging a connection with the Cumbrian faithful.

There have been plenty at the other end of the spectrum too. Those temporary signings who didn't make the desired impact, who are better off forgotten.

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Such is the quagmire when signing loan players - when agreeing a deal which is uncertain to transition into anything longer-term, how can you ensure the buy-in of the individual?

That's a question Paul Simpson and Greg Abbott will be wrangling with as they continue their summer recruitment drive.

For it's inevitable that among the lists of targets being compiled and worked through at Brunton Park, there will be some temporary additions included.

Simeu's name will likely be among them, and Carlisle's challenge this summer will be to ensure any loan signings they make will match the effort the Southampton defender made to ingrain himself in every facet of the club.

Carlisle boss Paul Simpson (Photo: Richard Parkes)

And in Simpson and Abbott, you have two individuals who are arguably as well-placed as anyone to make the correct judgements.

Both have had some real hits in the loan market but, perhaps more importantly, have also had some misses (Miguel Comminges, anyone?).

So while any loan signing - especially for a club in the fourth tier - is something of a gamble, the experience of the pair leading on Carlisle's recruitment should at least make that a calculated one.

Equally important will be the duo's relationships with clubs higher in the pyramid.

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Simpson has strong connections at a number of clubs and Abbott's recent role at Solihull Moors means he will likely have strong rapports with a number of decision makers.

And those factors could prove key in what is expected to be a highly-competitive loan market.

Last summer, there was a reluctance among many Premier League and Championship clubs to sanction loan moves. With COVID a real threat, there had to be consideration given to back-filling squads should an outbreak occur and as a result a number of young players were retained.

Owen Windsor was on loan at Carlisle last season (Photo: Barbara Abbott)

That concern eased as the 2021/22 season continued and the initial noises are that loan moves are firmly back on the agenda this year. Indeed, there are a number of players who have arguably seen their development stunted somewhat by the disruption COVID has caused, and for their parent clubs securing a temporary move will be a major priority.

There is, therefore, a big opportunity for Carlisle in the loan market this summer.

One or two shrewd short-term signings can prove crucial over the course of the season. Now it's over to Simpson and Abbott to find them.

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