Carlisle United manager looks ahead to Barrow AFC clash

The all-Cumbrian clash, which is live on Sky with an early kick-off, is United’s first home game of the League Two campaign.

It sees the Blues in need of a positive afternoon after losing their first two matches of 2024/25 in league and cup – while Barrow have recorded back-to-back wins.

With Brunton Park’s East Stand and Warwick Road End reopening after summer renovations, a bumper crowd and plenty of expectation will accompany United’s efforts against the Bluebirds.

Simpson said the prospect of the game should be embraced rather than approached with trepidation.

“This is why you're involved in football, to be involved in these games,” he said.

“I've always said this – when you dream of being a footballer it's not in an empty stadium and one man and his dog watching, it's in front of crowds, it's live on TV and this weekend is a great game to look forward to.

“There'll be nothing to fear, you've just got to go out and play and show what we're all about.”

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United are seeking a first competitive win at Brunton Park since January 1 and Simpson admits there is some “nervousness” at the moment given their opening defeats of the new campaign.

A positive result, he said, can provide a boost in that respect but to achieve that they must get the better of a Barrow side off to a good start under Stephen Clemence.

New Barrow boss Stephen Clemence (Image: PA)

Pete Wild’s successor has guided the Bluebirds to league and Carabao Cup wins over Crewe Alexandra and Port Vale respectively.

Simpson says they are a side to be respected as United prepare for the first ‘derby’ of the campaign.

“They've had two good results for a start, and they got off to an unbelievable start against [Port Vale] – they take the kick off, win a long throw, send it into the box, a flick-on and score after about a minute of the game,” he said.

“That would be nice if we could get that, just to calm everybody on Saturday.

“So they're a threat from set-plays, they've got good footballers in there in Kian Spence, in Robbie Gotts, Dean Campbell, Emile Acquah is a big threat, Katia Kouyate wide on the left hand side and Connor Mahoney on the right hand side…

“They've got good players, and they've got some experience in there with Paul Farman in goals, with Niall Canavan playing, even Theo Vassell coming in.

“They've got good experience in the group so we know it's going to be a tough game for us – but it's a brilliant game for us as well.

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“We're at home, we're expecting our fans to turn up in the numbers because everything has been opened again now and we've just got to make sure we get a performance that earns us the result.”

Simpson says his opposite number Clemence did a good job at previous club Gillingham and the United manager says he was slightly surprised he ended up leaving the Kent outfit.

Despite the change at the top at Holker Street, United’s boss feels Barrow’s early style under Clemence is not greatly dissimilar to that under Wild.

A bumper crowd is expected with the East Stand, pictured, and Warwick Road End back open for Barrow's visit (Image: Barbara Abbott)

Simpson, meanwhile, says that “finding a way” to win is all-important, however it comes.

Wing-back Archie Davies this week suggested a “jammy goal” could be all United need to kickstart them into winning form.

“We'd like to do it in our own way, but if we have to do it by getting some luck going our way, we'll also do that,” added Simpson.

“It's a case of just trying to earn it – you have to find a way to get a result because when you get a positive result that gives everybody confidence, gives everybody belief, takes the nervousness away that's obviously around at the moment.

“If we can do that then we'll be fine on Saturday.”