Paul Simpson says Carlisle United’s die-hard travelling fans received “zero consideration” from the authorities over today’s early kick-off at Sutton United.
As the Blues seek to seal their play-off place today, supporters are leaving Carlisle at 3am.
The 12.30pm kick-off in south London comes after the final round of League Two games were put back to days due to King Charles III’s coronation.
Simpson has praised the incredible dedication of the Blue Army – with a four-figure support set to back United in south London – but said fans should not have had to make the 336-mile trip so early.
“It’s incredible. That is some dedication,” he said of the numbers making such an early start.
“I don’t think there’s been any consideration given to supporters like ours who have to make a trip from Carlisle to Sutton.
“There’s been zero consideration when this kick-off time was announced, as to how they’re going to get there.
“I don’t really know what other games are going on in the country but I can’t believe there’s any have got that sort of journey to make.
“Fair play to our fans for making that journey – it’s absolutely brilliant, and it’s massively appreciated as well.”
Carlisle will secure a play-off place today if they win or draw – while a defeat would also be enough provided Mansfield Town don’t win and also achieve a goal difference swing of eight.
The odds are in United’s favour to secure a play-off semi-final against one of Bradford City, Salford City, Stockport County or Northampton Town.
Mansfield could sneak in if they win and bridge shorter goal difference gaps to Bradford and Salford, who would need to lose.
Simpson – without Jon Mellish as he starts his three-game ban today – hopes it is a rewarding trip for those fans making the journey.
“I’ve heard about the swell of [ticket sales] we’ve had for the Sutton game and I believe there are people going down in fancy dress,” he added.
“We have to make sure it’s a proper celebration, and we do that by going and performing and getting the result so, come the end of the game, it can be a celebration and the fans have enjoyed their day out.”
Simpson, meanwhile, is refusing to discuss play-off permutations until Carlisle have secured their place.
“The play-offs don’t even come into it at the moment. To be in the play-offs you have to earn it over 46 games and we haven’t done that yet,” he said.
“If we’re in them I’ll talk about them until I’m blue in the face. At the moment it’s about Sutton and making sure we do it properly against a team who will be like a wounded animal.”
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