Carlisle United manager's reaction to triple signing

Luke Armstrong, Harrison Neal and Seán Grehan have all joined the Blues’ push for League One survival.

Manager Simpson is delighted with United’s early business in the January transfer window.

And with 21 games to save their third-tier status, the Blues boss says Carlisle must reap the benefits straight away.

“I think it’s really important,” he said of the club’s triple swoop in the early days of the window.

“After two or three games, the league table can lie, but after 25 it doesn’t. We’re there because of what we’ve done in these first 25 games, and we have to do everything we can [to improve], whether that’s the current group or adding players to it.

“So the new faces coming in have to have an impact. They’ve got to make it work for us over these next 21 games, because the challenge for us all is we need to make sure we’re climbing the league table.

Big day of business at Brunton Park

• Blues snap up Sheffield United midfielder Neal
• Palace defender Grehan joins United on loan
• Plange leaves Carlisle after loan spell
• Armstrong record signing finalised

“Not even saying fifth bottom, I want to finish as high up this table as we possibly can, and by bringing new players in now, it gives us the chance with 21 to go rather than waiting and waiting until there’s maybe 16 or 17 to go.

“Every game’s important. We’ve got a real tough run of fixtures coming up but with what we’ve got in here, we’ve got to give it our best shot.”

Neal turned down others to join Blues

Simpson said former Sheffield United midfielder Neal, who has joined on a permanent deal, had turned down other interest to sign for Carlisle.

The Blues landed the 22-year-old former Barrow loan star on a free transfer with the deal including a sell-on clause.

Harrison Neal, right, rejected other clubs in favour of joining Carlisle, Paul Simpson says (Image: MI News)

“Sheffield United weren’t going to give him a deal at the end of the season, [so] it’s a free transfer,” said Simpson. “There’s some sort of sell-on further down the line if he’s successful and he moves.

“I can’t thank Sheffield United enough for the way they’ve been so professional about dealing with it and understanding that Harrison needs to go to further his career, and hopefully we’re the right place for him.

“He had other options, other clubs who wanted to take him who he’s spoken to. Thankfully he’s been impressed by what we’ve had to say and wants to come and be part of it.”

Simpson said the big change happening at Brunton Park now under the Piataks formed part of the sales pitch as they entered the market this winter.

“One of the things I said to him [Neal] is he’s coming in a little bit early to see all the changes we’re going to make,” Simpson said.

“I don’t really like using the word project, but it is – the big projects that are going on in terms of changing the face of the football club, changing the group of players with the ambition to go and be even better.

“He knows the challenge is to stay in League One. He’s seen it this season with Stevenage of what it’s like, and we’ve explained where we see him fitting into it, and hopefully he’ll be a big part of it for the next couple of years.

“[As a player], I think he’s got the legs, he’s got the physicality, he’s got a range of passing, he’s got that bit of bite about the way he plays.

“He certainly can bring something to the team. I’ve been impressed when I’ve seen him play, particularly last season when he had a really good run for Barrow.

“I’ve been really impressed when I’ve seen him in training today as well, so I’m hoping he’s going to bring something to us.”

Palace youngster has 'energy and fight'

Crystal Palace defender Grehan, 19, has joined on a half-season loan to add competition in the centre of Simpson’s rearguard.

United’s manager played down the idea that the Irish teenager could be an immediate starter.

But he is excited by the young player’s potential and did not rule out his arrival opening the door for a departure from the current defensive ranks.

Seán Grehan with Paul Simpson (Image: CUFC / Ewan Wood)

“At the moment there’s not a situation where a defender is going out. But that may change,” said Simpson.

“I just see Sean as somebody who’s a good footballer. When we play three centre-backs I think he gives us something, whether it’s left or right, with his range of passing.

“He’s got a lovely right foot, he’s got real energy about the way he plays, and he’s got fight.

“I just liked what I’ve seen in him any time we've watched him. It’s a good opportunity to add another player to the group because, for me, I think we need more than what we’ve got.

“Certainly more bodies, and more ability, and I think Sean certainly adds to that.”

United’s manager added that he has received enquiries for certain members of his squad but is not yet ready to sanction departures at this stage in the window.