Caretaker Steven Rudd has urged Carlisle United’s 2,000 fans to make their voices heard at Bradford City today.

A big travelling support will back the Blues at Valley Parade (kick-off 3pm) in their first league game since Paul Simpson’s departure.

Rudd and fellow caretakers Mark Birch and Jamie Devitt are hoping to oversee a much-needed win to lift spirits after five defeats from six in all competitions.

And they believe the Blue Army can play their part in west Yorkshire.

“The support is fantastic – we want them to go there and really support the Carlisle lads, the players, get behind them and help them – because they do make a massive difference when lads are running and chasing and doing well,” Rudd said.

“Get behind them and it gives them that extra five or ten per cent, and then that can help make it feel like we've got 12 players on the pitch at times.

“We need to a), quieten the Bradford crowd, frustrate them, but b) get our fans behind us and get that enthusiasm, get that positivity and help us go on to win the game.”

United’s caretaker trio can call on new signing Harrison Biggins today with the deadline-day arrival eligible to make his debut after having to sit out the previous two games.

They also must decide whether to make any significant changes to Simpson’s last league XI for last weekend’s defeat to Tranmere Rovers.

Jordan Jones is among the players expected to return for the Blues todayJordan Jones is among the players expected to return for the Blues today (Image: Ben Holmes)

Players rested for Tuesday’s Bristol Street Motors Trophy defeat to Nottingham Forest Under-21s are likely to come back into the mix, such as Terell Thomas, Aaron Hayden, Josh Vela, Jordan Jones, Archie Davies and former Bantams duo Harry Lewis and Charlie Wyke.

They will take on a Bradford side spearheaded by former Carlisle striker Andy Cook, while Calum Kavanagh – son of ex-Blues manager Graham – is also in the home ranks.

It is the clubs’ first meeting since 2023’s memorable play-off semi-final – but in different circumstances now, with United desperate for an uplifting day after the struggles that cost Simpson his job, as they take on ninth-placed hosts.

Rudd said preparation for this game has been more detailed than was possible for their first game at the interim helm.

He said the caretakers are trying to keep spirits high as well as give the team the best possible instruction.

“You’re always learning about everything – the players, the environment, ourselves, our messages,” he said.

“But all we're trying to do is just do the basics really well – give the lads the detail they need, get them as organised as we can.

“For us as staff, we’re also trying to get the environment lively, enthusiastic, get the lads having a laugh, a joke and being really positive about things.

“We're four games in, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks we can get some results on the board and then things will start looking a bit more positive in the league table.

“We’re learning as we go, but I think [firstly you have to] do the basics brilliantly, be organised and execute the game plan as best you can.”

Blues fans heading to Bradford today should avoid a section of the M62 which is partly closed between Manchester and Leeds due to work on a new railway bridge.

A section of the M65 is also closed in both directions between junction 5 and 6 because of a "police-led incident". Diversions are in place.