Paul Simpson wants Carlisle United to tap into west Cumbria’s proud history of producing top goalkeepers.
The Blues manager says a development centre in the west of the county will be part of the remit of a new goalkeeping coach at Brunton Park.
Simpson wants to see if United can make the most of the area’s long-standing reputation as a hotbed of goalkeepers.
Current Premier League players Dean Henderson and James Trafford, from Whitehaven and Greysouthen respectively, were previously with Carlisle’s academy.
Historically, United have also benefited from west Cumbrian keepers such as 1990s star Tony Caig.
Other top keepers from the area include former England keeper Scott Carson who, like Caig, hails from Cleator Moor.
United are sifting through applications for the keeper coach vacancy after Dave Timmins’ departure.
And Simpson said: “I want to have a goalkeeping coach coming in who's going to try and set up a development centre – probably out in west Cumbria, because of the physical profile and the transferable skills of that rugby background to be a goalkeeper, and also the history of Carlisle United producing west Cumbrian goalkeepers.
“I want something there so that we have a progression for the future of the club, for when I've gone, whenever that might be.
“I want to try and get these things set up, so that will be a discussion that we'll have when we're talking to the goalkeeping coaches who've applied.”
Carlisle are seeking their latest goalkeeping coach in successive summers, with Timmins departing after one season back at the club.
He had replaced Paul Gerrard last summer but Timmins has since rejoined his previous club Ayr United.
Asked if knowledge of west Cumbria would be an advantage to applicants, Simpson said: “I don't want to restrict ourselves. It's hard enough finding staff to come up to Carlisle in the first place, so I don't want to make the net smaller by saying they need to have a knowledge [of the area].
“I think, if we can set up that type of centre and invite goalkeepers to come in from the local teams, they could very quickly get the knowledge of what it's all about and to be able to identify the goalkeepers, so that's something I want to do.
“I've got an idea of how it can be done, so let's wait and see.”
Applications for the position closed on Sunday with interviews set to follow. Simpson said there had been some “strong candidates”.
He added: “We will find out how they work and see whether they'll be a good fit for us.
“We’ll also see whether they'll relocate to this area, because I think that's important as a member of staff. Hopefully we'll get the right people in.”
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