Carlisle United boss: I don't take my position for granted

The Blues manager is preparing his side to take on Stevenage tomorrow after a miserable run of results which have left United close to League One relegation.

Simpson, in his weekly press conference yesterday, said it had been the hardest campaign he has known in football, and also that he found the extent of United’s struggles “a bit embarrassing”.

A run of 12 defeats from 13 and a position 16 points adrift of safety has led to a debate about Simpson’s future among fans, whilst the club’s owners have openly backed the Cumbrian.

The manager himself says he is aware of criticism from some quarters but is continuing to give all he can to the task of turning things around.

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“I don't know whether I expose myself or shut myself off [to fan opinions],” he said. “I don't do social media. But people obviously want to tell you.

“I just try to do my job and try to do my job as well as I possibly can.

Carlisle take on Stevenage tomorrow (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I don't like what's happened this season. I'm very, very appreciative of the fact that I'm the Carlisle United manager – I don't take that for granted.

“I continue to work as hard as I possibly can, I try to work as smart as I possibly can.

“Unfortunately, as a manager, whenever you are losing games like we are, then everybody thinks what I'm doing is wrong.

“I always remember [my former assistant] Dennis Booth used to say, ‘If you’re winning on a Saturday, you could play tiddlywinks all week, and nobody would give a monkey's.’ And that's the truth of it.

“So we have to just keep doing what we're doing to try and make sure that the players are prepared, and then hope that they're able to go out without the psychological block or drain going on in the head.

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“We've got to try and set them up to go and perform. But once they get out there, it's up to them to go and perform.”

United are at risk of having relegation confirmed over Easter if their current form continues.

Either way, Simpson wants some “pride” to be restored with improved performances over the remaining eight games.

“Although this season we've changed shape a little bit at times, at the start of games last season, we were very consistent – we had in game changes where sometimes we'd go 4-4-2, sometimes we’d go 4-3-3. And that was obvious. And it was it was getting results,” the manager added.

“This year, it hasn't worked. So people can criticise because that's the case. And that's just perfectly normal. And I have to accept that.

“I don't get screwed up about it. But I can assure everybody, I definitely don't like it.”