Paul Simpson and Greg Abbott are stepping up Carlisle United’s bid to reshape their squad for League One.

The manager – now back at Brunton Park from his summer break – is in regular discussions with the club’s head of recruitment over signings.

The duo are having regular meetings as they aim to bring a number of plans to a head.

And there is a sense of calm over the situation, according to the Blues’ chief executive Nigel Clibbens.

He says much of the preparation over signings has long been in place, and a lack of early deals this summer is nothing to worry about.

Clibbens said: What’s important for everybody to understand is [that], coming up to the end of last season, Greg and Paul have been running two plans in terms of what a squad might look like in League One and what a squad might look like in League Two.

“There’s been a lot of thinking about relevant targets. A lot of that spadework’s already been done. Then you’re into trying to get people through the door.

"The reality is that, other than a few deals that take place early, the nature of Leagues One and Two is that lot of deals come late in a rush, and whilst you can get players in, the players who are recruited early tend to be the ones that cost the most, then you have to look at value for money.

“Everybody’s comfortable where we are.”

United’s squad are due to return for pre-season training next week as they count down to a return to League One.

News and Star: Wembley hero Omari Patrick is yet to confirm a decision on his futureWembley hero Omari Patrick is yet to confirm a decision on his future (Image: Richard Parkes)

As well as aiming to add a number of players to the squad, the Blues are also waiting to resolve the contract situations of Morgan Feeney and Omari Patrick.

They have both been offered new deals but defender Feeney is exploring other options while forward Patrick is also yet to confirm a decision on his future.

There is not yet a sign of imminent movement on any front but Carlisle are active in a number of areas.

Clibbens added: “I went to see Simmo and Greg [on Monday] afternoon and they were taking phonecalls while I was actually there.

“Everything’s under control, they know exactly what they’re doing. It’s all position and specific stuff – and it’s very much club-led, not agent-led.

“It’s [about] players they’ve identified that they’d like to get to come to the club, rather than following up [people who say], ‘We’ve got the next best thing for you, Carlisle United…’, which can take you down a different road.

“Simmo’s back from his break, straight into it, and him and Greg have had lots of meetings and they’re at it again [today].”