Paul Simpson says he plans to use this week to get some “energy” back into Carlisle United’s players.

Simpson felt that was lacking in Saturday’s 0-0 draw against Crewe Alexandra.

And the manager hopes a week without a midweek fixture can see his side rediscover some zip.

United, after three games in eight days including two away trips, now have a week’s preparation for their next encounter at Hartlepool United on Saturday.

Simpson’s side have made a solid start to the season, sitting ninth with just one defeat, and the manager says it is vital they now build on it.

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“We’re going to get some proper work into the players over the week, but they’ll also have some rest days,” he said.

“It’s been a lot of travelling, a lot of physical activity…we’ve just got to get them freshened up, working, get some life and energy back into them that takes us into next weekend.

“We’ll make the most of it. It’s a chance to calm down, not have to do any preparation for a Tuesday-Saturday week.”

Also on Simpson’s agenda will be to check on the fitness of Callum Guy, who went off after hurting his ankle late in Saturday’s game.

It will also be an opportunity to bring other players up to speed ahead of a return to action.

“It’s a chance for us to get more quality time into Morgan Feeney and Omari Patrick, and giving Ryan Edmondson and Ben Barclay even more football training,” the United manager said.

“They’re getting ever closer, so they’re going really well. It’s a case of getting as many people as possible ready to go.”

Simpson said that, despite Saturday’s frustrations and the recent injury list, Carlisle are in a good place and have a good foundation to build from.

But he said it is vital they don’t let any sluggishness derail them.

“We’re not in a difficult position, there isn’t a crisis here – we’re in a good position, a very good position, I would say, and the players have done absolutely magnificently well so far for us,” he added.

“What I don’t want is for it to fall away because we don’t have the energy and we haven’t got the spark to keep the momentum going.

“We’ve taken five points out of the last week; if you switched it around and drew at Grimsby and won on Saturday we’re all happy as Larry.

“We’ve still got five points on the board and we move onto the next one.”