Paul Simpson says Carlisle United “weren’t fit enough” last season – and that’s something that must change this time around.

The Blues have two-and-a-half weeks left of pre-season as they build up to their return to League Two in 2024/25.

United are hoping to start the new campaign on the front foot having rebuilt since last season’s relegation back from League One.

With three friendlies remaining alongside the final periods of pre-season training work, Simpson says it is vital to strike a balance in pushing the players physically.

But he accepts that last season saw United short.

“For me, to be successful in football you have to be fit, there are no two ways about it,” said Simpson, in an interview with BBC Cumbria.

“Last season we weren’t fit enough.

“We had a poor pre-season, for whatever reason – there are all sorts of reasons or excuses, but we weren’t fit enough, it’s as simple as that.

“This year I want to make sure we are, and it’s striking that balance between being as fit as we can to start the season but not peaking at the start, and also not to push players too hard that they break.”

Paul SimpsonPaul Simpson (Image: Ben Holmes)

Simpson felt United looked “in good shape” during their most recent pre-season friendly, the 2-2 draw at St Mirren.

On the injury front, Carlisle’s manager is continuing to assess Cameron Harper’s progress after he missed the game in Paisley because of continued discomfort in his groin. The Cumbrians take on Rochdale at the Crown Oil Arena on Saturday.

Other players have been stepping up their return from injuries this week.

Jack Robinson, who recently spent time at St George’s Park, has been back on the grass some three months after suffering a stress fracture to his ankle.

Anton Dudik has also been doing some running work following the ankle injury he suffered early in pre-season.

Callum Guy, meanwhile, is continuing his work as he targets a comeback from an ACL injury in the early months of 2024/25.