Paul Simpson says Carlisle United must put on a performance today that generates “confidence” for the season ahead.

The Blues are back at Brunton Park for the first time this summer to take on Stockport County (kick-off 3pm).

The home encounter follows poor displays against National League opposition with Carlisle losing to Rochdale and Gateshead in their previous two friendlies.

This afternoon’s meeting with Dave Challinor’s League One new boys is a last chance to impress before the big 2024/25 League Two kick-off.

It is also the first outing in front of a home crowd following last season’s relegation.

On the need to produce something better for home fans a week before the new campaign gets under way, manager Simpson said: “It’s important to show them, but it's important to show ourselves as well.

“Players take confidence from playing well. We need players to be confident. We need players to have belief.

“So, we have to make sure our level of performance gives us belief and then also gives the supporters something to cheer.”

The game is likely to see a first Carlisle appearance for new signing Daniel Adu-Adjei.

It should also see first Brunton Park outings for a host of United’s summer signings such as Terell Thomas, Archie Davies and Cameron Harper, while the returning Aaron Hayden and Charlie Wyke will play for the Blues at the ground for the first time since 2021 and 2017 respectively.

It will be United’s first meeting with Stockport since 2023’s League Two play-off final which saw the Blues win on penalties to reach the third tier.

It is the clubs' first meeting since 2023's play-off finalIt is the clubs' first meeting since 2023's play-off final (Image: Richard Parkes)

Since then the clubs have swapped divisions with Dave Challinor’s County winning the fourth tier last season as Carlisle came back down.

The Hatters squad includes former Blues duo Jack Stretton and Jack Diamond - though the former went off injured in last night's 1-0 friendly defeat against Blackburn Rovers - while their backroom team includes the ex-United star Matt Jansen, who has a player liaison and coaching role at Edgeley Park, plus former Carlisle defender Clint Hill as first-team coach.

Carlisle defender Ben Barclay could face his former club.

That Stockport were also in action against Blackburn last night, left Simpson unclear about exactly what sort of side United could expect to face today.

“They’ve got the two games and they do it quite often – a Friday night and a Saturday game,” said Simpson, who previously managed Stockport.

“It's about us though, isn't it? It's not really about the opposition.

“We know whoever Stockport bring, we expect it to be a good side because they're a football club that have got real big ambitions.

“So, we've got to be ready for it. We've got to make sure that we dust ourselves down and learn from [Tuesday], and make sure that we're better – but more importantly, better the following Saturday.”

Only the Main Stand and Paddock are open to home fans today, with the East Stand and Warwick Road End closed to Blues supporters as renovation work continues.