Carlisle United boss Simpson: we must win mind games

The Blues have picked up two points from their four league games since promotion.

They were kept waiting for that first victory thanks to Saturday’s defeat to Exeter City.

Manager Simpson said it is vital his team remains in control of the psychological side of things as they strive for better results.

“I do think you’ve got to be conscious of it – the mind is a really powerful tool, especially with footballers,” Simpson said.

“We have to keep believing. Or start believing even more, maybe.

“I thought we started [against Exeter] with belief, we went about the game properly, we started the second half well, kept the ball really well.

• What did we learn from the Blues' defeat to Exeter?

“It’s the belief when you get in the final third – the clear mind in the final third to be able to execute whatever it is you’re trying to do.

United impressed in stages but fell short in attack against Exeter (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“That’s probably where we just need to step it up a little bit.”

Carlisle next go to Port Vale, at a time Simpson remains eager to add to his squad.

He wants to strengthen his attack before the end of the month and is looking at a number of potential loan signings.

Simpson, meanwhile, has stressed he has faith in the players already at his disposal.

“It’s up to us to make sure we stay with it,” he added.

“We haven’t got a magic formula to it, but I believe that the players are good enough.

“I believe that we’ve got enough here. I think we’ve showed, and I’d probably say in every game this season, that in patches we can be a good footballing team.

“To be a really good footballing team, and to make sure that we’re a League One side, we have to finish things off in those moments where we have a little bit of pressure and momentum.”