Carlisle United must live up to takeover excitement: Simpson

The Piataks’ takeover at United is close, with the club on the brink of a fresh start under American ownership.

The Florida business family have pledged to transform Carlisle’s infrastructure as well as back Simpson in the transfer market once the deal is done - with hopes in some quarters that the takeover may even be finalised today.

And ahead of this weekend’s home clash with Charlton Athletic – set to be attended by the Piataks – manager Simpson said the team must play their part in the new dawn.

“I’m saying to the players that there’s exciting times ahead, and you’ve got to step up a level to make sure we’re all still a part of it,” he said.

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“Football changes really quickly, that’s in management as well – it can really change quickly.

“I want to be part of it, and I want the players to show they want to be part of it, because we are going to be in a position where we’re going to be able to strengthen the group.

“Whether that’s as free agents at the moment or be it the transfer window, but we’re all going hell for leather to try and put a team out on the pitch that the supporters can be proud of.”

The takeover deal is in its latter stages with the remaining finer details expected to be resolved ahead of the Charlton game.

The Piataks – Tom snr, Patty, Tom II, Alice, Jenna and Nick – are flying back to the UK later this week and will be in Carlisle ahead of Saturday’s game.

United will resume League One action in third bottom position this weekend (Image: Ben Holmes)

They have long earmarked the November 25 fixture as a big date on the calendar amid the final stages of a takeover process which has taken several months.

Fans are eagerly awaiting confirmation of the takeover, whether that comes today or in the remaining days ahead of the Charlton clash. 

Simpson said that, after some “false dawns” regarding previous takeovers, this situation with the Piataks has clearly “gone past that stage”.

He added: “I think we’re in the final throes of it from what I’m being told, and some really exciting things [are in prospect].

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“But again, I keep saying we have to get the performances exciting, we’ve got to get results to excite people.

“There’s no point having loads of noise going on the outside and we’re not making the noise ourselves on the football side.

“We want to do that, to try and marry the two things together.

“I do think with what’s being spoken about, the future is really bright for the football club and we’ve got to make the football really bright as well.”