Carlisle United still want a ‘few more’ signings

Assistant manager Gavin Skelton says the pursuit of further additions remains very much alive at Brunton Park.

Carlisle, who face Danny Grainger’s Workington Reds in their latest friendly tomorrow (Borough Park, 3pm) have brought in five new players so far.

And while Paul Simpson’s Cumbrians have faced frustration with some of their recent moves in the market, there remains scope for further deals soon.

READ MORE: Carlisle United's Gavin Skelton on Omari Patrick rumours and player absentees

Skelton said: “You’re always working at it. With Greg [Abbott], head of recruitment], the gaffer, Jake [Blain, analyst], me and Gez [coach Paul Gerrard] there’s a lot of work going on.

“I don’t know if Saturday will be too soon [for the next signing] but at the moment it changes literally hour by hour.

“We know where we need to strengthen the squad. We know we need a few bodies in.

“It’s frustrating at the times we can’t do that but there’s a lot of work going on and the manager’s adamant what he wants, and hopefully we’ll get them in whenever that is.”

United made Stockport County loan defender Ben Barclay their fifth signing earlier this week and Simpson is understood to be continuing to seek additions in a range of positions.

Carlisle, who this week denied online speculation about frontman Omari Patrick’s future, also this week allowed striker Tristan Abrahams to join Eastleigh on a free transfer.

On the wait for more additions, coach Skelton added: “That’s football. I’ve been in it long enough to know that you never really know where it’s at with things until it’s actually done.

“You get frustrated, you get good news, you get bad news. Definitely one thing we’re not is getting worried or stressed about it.

“We know exactly what we want and hopefully that will come to fruition.”

Carlisle have scored 14 goals in their first two friendlies against Penrith and Kendal Town.

Wednesday’s 9-0 win at Kendal saw Sonny Hilton mark his first outing with a brace, while Barclay made his first appearance.

They could again feature at Workington, with Jamie Devitt also still in the mix after he boosted his contract hopes with a hat-trick at Kendal.

Simpson has given most players 45 minutes in the two games so far but could increased the pitch time for some in west Cumbria this weekend.

United face former captain Danny Grainger's Workington tomorrow (photo: Ben Challis)

United are also continuing to monitor the fitness of Patrick, Taylor Charters and Sam Fishburn after they sat out the Kendal game with knocks.

Of the game at Borough Park against former Blues captain Grainger’s NPL West side, former Workington boss Skelton added: “It will be a step up in terms of intensity and quality.

“Danny might play it down but will be desperate to do well, and we’ll be desperate to do well.

“They will expect to probably be challenging at the top of their league, so they’re a team that are used to winning games.

“It’ll be a really interesting contest, a step up from the last two games.”