Carlisle United boss calls for togetherness and 'solidarity'

The Blues are preparing for a big double-header which can have a major say in their automatic promotion prospects.

After no wins or goals in four, United host Tranmere Rovers on Good Friday in a game set to attract a 10,000+ crowd.

The Cumbrians then head to another mid-table outfit in Walsall on Easter Monday.

Carlisle’s recent run has brought frustration and manager Simpson says unity and calm heads are vital now.

“We’ve asked for everybody to stick together, that’s everybody inside and outside the club, and this is another opportunity to show our solidarity,” he said.

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“Show we are all in it together. And then hopefully we get a performance and result that goes with that.”

The News & Star's rallying cry for United's run-in (Image: Gary York / Newsquest)

United will see their biggest home crowd of the season on Friday thanks to their #10for10 ticket discount offer.

It promises to be a big occasion at Brunton Park at a time the Blues are in need of a lift.

They are two points outside the automatic promotion zone with seven games to go.

Back-to-back defeats have cost them the chance to remain in the top three with the Blues now in need of a turnaround.

“The fans have been absolutely magnificent for the whole of this season, and the end of last season,” said Simpson.

“We’ve earned the right to have that backing because of the results we’ve got.

“Now I hope they stay with us.

“I know everybody’s getting nervous, results are making nerves for us, but we’ve just got to go again.

“We really have to. We can’t throw our toys out now, we have to keep our heads, keep nice and calm and make sure we’re ready to go on Friday at home.”

Simpson’s preparations for the Tranmere game will also be injury-dependent, with Morgan Feeney and Fin Back expected to be ruled out after the hamstring problems they suffered at Leyton Orient last weekend.