Gavin Skelton says Carlisle United players can still make their case for opening-day selection with just two weeks to go until the big kick-off.
The Blues’ assistant manager says boss Paul Simpson has a clear picture in his mind of how he intends to set up.
But United’s remaining friendlies and training sessions can still hold plenty of sway in the final decisions, coach Skelton said.
Carlisle host League One side Bolton Wanderers this weekend.
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Next week they are due to play a behind-closed-doors game during their training camp at Largs in Scotland.
Then they head to third-tier Morecambe for their last scheduled friendly a week before the season starts.
Skelton said after United’s game at Workington last weekend that, while Simpson was clear on certain things, lots can still change in the remainder of pre-season.
“When you come back for pre-season you always have an idea about the team, but it can completely change due to injury, form, etc,” he said.
“You have an idea, and see certain combinations, but a lot can still happen.”
Simpson has stuck to a largely similar shape throughout United’s friendlies so far, often opting for a 3-4-3 system.
While Carlisle’s attacking shape may be more changeable, it seems clear that the manager is sticking with the three centre-halves system he adopted from his first game after returning to the club in February.
Skelton said it helps not to have too much deviation in how the Blues line up in their warm-up fixtures.
“I think the manager has an idea in his head where he wants to go, which helps prepare for these games,” he said.
“It means you’re not chopping and changing in training. Players get used to what’s expected of them and things just aren’t thrown on them.”
Skelton, meanwhile, said Carlisle remain on the trail of new signings despite some recent frustrations in the market.
“It’s very much on the go,” he said. “People are working hard, really hard on it.
“You think you’re there, and it doesn’t happen, you think one’s dead and one comes back alive.
“You learn that. Until something’s over the line you don’t count it.”
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