Carlisle United boss urges team to 'block out the noise' in second leg

The Blues are back under the spotlight tomorrow in the televised League Two decider against Bradford City.

The Sky Sports cameras are at Brunton Park with more scrutiny on a United game than is the norm.

The attention reflects the magnitude of the game but manager Simpson says it is important that the job in hand remains the firm focus.

“As a player, and even as a manager, I know from my own experience that I block out the noise,” he said.

“Once we get here, when we walk from our cars we will see all the Sky TV cameras and [trucks] which are going to take over the executive car park.

• Blues must be quicker out of blocks in second leg says Simmo

“We will see that it’s different that it’s a [near] full house as well.

“But it’s about what goes on on the grass, how players perform with it all.

“They’ve shown over the season they can perform really well – now they’ve got to do it again.”

United’s manager says he has entertained “fleeting” thoughts of Wembley but has not allowed his mind to drift too far to a potential final.

Simpson says he has only entertained fleeting thoughts of Wembley so far (Image: PA)

He said that is pointless until Carlisle have got there – needing to overturn a 1-0 first leg deficit in order to do so.

“I’d be lying if said haven’t thought about it but it’s a real fleeting thought, because it’s a million miles off at the moment,” he said.

“I know we have to do it right in this one game. It all depends on this one. If we do it right we’ll deserve to go. If we don’t then we don’t deserve that opportunity and we’ll have to wish Bradford all the best.

“My mindset is that we’re coming into this game ready for it and want to put on a performance that keeps everybody happy that’s paid good money to come and watch us, gives our families something to be proud of, everybody who works in club something to smile about, and it’s a really good day to look forward to.”