Carlisle United chief's hopes for 'very, very long' Paul Simpson stay

Simpson is a year into a three-year deal which has already seen him turn the Blues from relegation candidates into promotion contenders.

And Nigel Clibbens says the impact Simpson has had across the entire club is something he has never seen in the game before.

The director told the audience at United’s player awards night that Simpson’s effect on the place could not be overstated.

“The transformation around this place has been absolutely unbelievable. You all see it from the outside, but I can tell you from the inside, the difference that man has made to this club in such a short space of time is absolutely fantastic,” Clibbens said.

“I’ve not seen it at any other club I’ve been involved with or know about.

• Carlisle United's player awards night - as it happened

“He’s brought so much to us in terms of belief, and wanting to do well for the city and community, and put smiles on faces of businesses and fans.

“He does it so selflessly. He doesn’t have to be here and do this but he chooses to do it because he wants to make a difference.

Paul Simpson at United's awards night (Image: Ben Holmes)

“He has done a fantastic job for us and I hope he continues for a very, very long time.”

Simpson has also spoken of his desire to be at United for the long term during his second stint in charge of his home-city club.

The Blues are likely to seal a play-off place next Monday as they keep their hopes alive of reaching League One.

It comes just a year after they were staring relegation from the EFL in the face until Simpson’s return to save Carlisle.

Clibbens also saluted the players who have turned United’s fortunes around. He said: “The fans see them on Saturdays home and away…I can tell you, seeing the lads day in, day out, around the club, it means so much to them.

“They put their heart and soul into it whether they win, lose or draw, and that’s not always the case.

“We’ve got a great group of players here who’ve stuck together through thick and thin.”

Clibbens said this has been “the most special” of his six seasons at Brunton Park so far.

“Even on Saturday, having 10,000 home fans for the first time in probably 15 years for a league game shows what this club can be, and shows what has been latent and under the radar for so long,” he added.

“We have to keep that moving on.

“We have to seize these moments.”

Clibbens paid tribute to United’s fans and sponsors, “many of whom have stuck with us through some difficult times.”

The director, in his speech, also thanked the club’s staff for their efforts over the course of the campaign, as well as awards night sponsor North Lakes Energy.