Paul Simpson believes the “analytical eye” and ideas of his new backroom staff will benefit Carlisle United.

The Blues have brought in some new faces this summer as they prepare for the 2024/25 League Two season.

Goalkeeping coach Glen Johnson has come in along with head physio Sophie Birnie.

They are joined by the returning Billy Barr, who is now joint assistant manager alongside Gavin Skelton.

Manager Simpson has spoken about the way he feels the trio will add to things at Brunton Park.

On coach Barr, he said: “I felt as though we needed another member of staff in with us on the coaching side of it, so Billy has stayed with us.

“Unfortunately, last season, the results didn't reflect the work that was going on off the grass, and that was just the way it went. But I was impressed with what Billy did.

“I liked working with Billy the first time round here [until 2006], and then when I took him away to Preston as well, I liked the way he worked.

“He's actually developed even more. He's got a fantastic analytical eye. He's got real good ideas on the coaching side of it.

“He's very good on the little one-to-one debriefs with players and feedback and stuff like that, and he's developed himself in terms of the analytical clipping of bits of games and training and that sort of stuff.

“So I'm really pleased Billy's decided to stay with us.”

Barr returned to United last February before agreeing a new deal for the 2024/25 campaign.

Former Newport County physio Birnie has joined as Chris Brunskill’s replacement.

“We were all disappointed Chris decided to leave, because I thought it was a big thing for us to get him to come back from Blackburn, but I totally understand that a family is much more important than football, and he's made that decision,” said Simpson.

“I think Sophie is a fantastic replacement for him, and she's already settled in and done some really good work with the players.”

The experienced Johnson, meanwhile, is the replacement for Dave Timmins as keeper coach.

“Glenn's really enthusiastic, a very, very good coach,” said Simpson.

“He's qualified at coach-educator level, so not only can he coach, but he's got a really good way of actually speaking to the players and getting messages across, which is what coaching's about.

“Sometimes it's about showing, but it's about how you speak and how you get the message across, and Glenn's impressive with that side of it as well.”