Paul Simpson admits Carlisle United’s loyal fans owe the Blues nothing as the final home game of a poor season takes place today.

Manager Simpson, whose side host Wycombe Wanderers (Brunton Park, 3pm), says it is up to United to give supporters some encouragement for next season.

And the Blues boss says that is a far fairer wish than asking fans, who have backed the relegated Cumbrians superbly all season, for even more.

“Our home support, and our away support, has been magnificent,” said Simpson.

“I’m not going to ask them for anything at all – we’ve no right to ask them for anything.

“They have to make own decisions as to what they want to do. It would be wrong, after what we’ve put them through this season, to make any demands.

“At the end of the game, there is not going to be any huge fanfare or celebrations, but the players will stay on the pitch and go around to thank the fans for their support – and hopefully they’ll come back next year.”

Carlisle’s final home game of 2023/24 sees the Cumbrians seeking a first home win since New Year’s Day.

They have taken just one point from nine Brunton Park fixtures in that time.

News and Star: Matt Bloomfield's Wycombe are United's final home opponents of 2023/24Matt Bloomfield's Wycombe are United's final home opponents of 2023/24 (Image: PA)

Simpson will consider returning Jordan Gibson and Alfie McCalmont to today’s squad after omitting the duo from the last three games over a disciplinary matter.

Teenager Aran Fitzpatrick has also been training with the first team following Jack Robinson’s injury, while Fin Back could return for the penultimate fixture of 2023/24.

“The only thing we can do is try and get the best performance out of us as possible,” added Simpson of the game against Matt Bloomfield’s 12th-placed Chairboys.

“It’s not going to change anything that’s gone on this season, it’s just about getting a performance that hopefully gets a result that hopefully sends the fans home with a smile on their face just for this weekend.

“It won’t paint over the whole season, we know that, but it’s a case of any small win that we can take.

“They [fans] want to see a sign of something. As much as I can believe and say I think the signings we made in January will be for the good of the long term of the football club, results haven’t shown that.

“That’s something we’ve got to try and do in the last two games – certainly get a performance and hopefully results follow.”

Simpson, meanwhile, has said he is certain in his mind of the contract decisions he will make at the end of the season, ahead of a crucial summer of recruitment as United aim to bounce back and start well in League Two.

“It’s an important window for us,” he said. “And when I say ‘we’, I mean, ‘me’ as well. As a manager you are judged on results, and we need to get some results.”