Paul Simpson says he appreciates all the support Carlisle United are getting at a time fans’ finances are coming under increasing strain.

The cost of living crisis shows no sign of abating with the latest news on the energy price cap rise.

Blues manager Simpson, whose side host Gillingham today (Brunton Park, 3pm), has called for as many fans as possible to back his side.

But he appreciates he is doing so at an increasingly tough time for people.

“We are appealing for people to come out, and I’m fully aware of what a difficult time it is for everybody in terms of what they’re having to do just to have a normal life,” Simpson said.

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“I just think if we can give them something to smile about it tries to help going towards them having a better week, makes all workplaces happier environments to be working in.

“That’s the industry we’re in, we have to go and entertain and give them something to smile about.”

Simpson has underlined his belief that maximum support will help Carlisle grow.

“What I want is anybody who can, who financially can help us, to come and support the club,” he added.

“That’s the way this is going to improve as a place.

“It’s not going to improve by Carlisle United supporters staying at home.

“Let’s get loads through the gates, as many as we can, let’s get sponsorship in, keep promoting the club, making it a better place to be.

“If you can, please come and support us and help us move forward.”

Carlisle are hoping to bounce back from last weekend’s defeat to Stevenage today.

They do so back on home soil against Neil Harris’s Gillingham, at the start of a run of three straight home games.

“The fans have been brilliant so far and we’ve got to make sure we keep it going,” added Simpson, who is weighing up whether to bring Morgan Feeney, Owen Moxon and Ryan Edmondson back into the squad after injuries.

“I want it to be really positive all round and the only way we can do that is by performing and getting results.

“Last week will only be a blip if we do it right this weekend. We need to get the best level of consistency we can get for a League Two side.

“I say that in respect of the fact that we all have flaws in our character at his level, we’ve all got something we can’t do brilliantly. That means we don’t have the level of consistency you get at Premier League level.

“What we have to do is make sure we have a level of consistency that suits us and that reflects what we’re like as a group. Hopefully we get back to that.”

While a warm afternoon is in store, it will not compare with the sweltering conditions experienced at Carlisle’s previous home game against Swindon two weeks ago.

“It was boiling for the last home game so fair play to the ones who came out to watch us when there were so many others things they could have been doing,” Simpson said.

“I’m hoping it’s a bit of a cooler day this weekend and we get even more supporters through the turnstiles and giving us something to go out and work hard for.

“On the flip side of it, we’ve got to give them something to shout about.”