Carlisle United’s next boss will have a close eye on the players and their performance against Fleetwood Town today, says caretaker Steven Rudd.

The Blues are back at Brunton Park this afternoon for what could be the last game before a new head coach is appointed.

It brings extra scrutiny on the team – and a further incentive to perform and get United back on a positive footing before a new era begins.

United are desperate for a lift after four defeats from their first five games, with Paul Simpson’s successor now close to being confirmed.

Joint caretaker Rudd, who remains at the short-term helm along with Mark Birch and Jamie Devitt, said the players appear in positive mood as they aim to turn things around and catch the new boss’s eye.

“The new manager will be watching it, or watching it back, and it's up to us as staff to help the lads prepare properly for the game,” said Rudd.

“And then it's up to the lads at 3pm to cross the white line and go out and do their job as best they can.”

United are now at an advanced stage in the appointment process, with a new sporting director also set to come in along with a head coach.

The new figures’ task will be to oversee immediate improvement after Carlisle’s struggling start in League Two.

Rudd says the build-up has been bright in training.

He added: “If a new coach comes in at whatever point, they'll watch the previous games back and make their own opinions and ideas and thoughts.

“But we have got good players. All they need is a result to kick-start the season, get the positivity and confidence back round the group.

Cameron Harper is set to make his first league start todayCameron Harper is set to make his first league start today (Image: Richard Parkes)

“Thursday was one of the best days I've had training over the two weeks – the enthusiasm, the positivity, the competitiveness, the camaraderie, those people encouraging each other and getting round each other.”

Cameron Harper is set to make his first league start in the absence of the injured Ben Williams, while Rudd and his fellow caretakers have been monitoring Dan Adu-Adjei, Aaron Hayden and Terell Thomas after injury.

Dominic Sadi could get his first home league start as Carlisle look to get on the front foot against Fleetwood.

Rudd said that, ideally, he and his colleagues will hand over a team with more positive momentum to the next head coach, but added that United cannot look beyond today.

“That would be a good way for it to work out, but we have to take care of [today] first and make sure we do our job,” he said.

“Hopefully, after that first win, they can then go and put a run together.

“But we've got to get that first one first. Don't worry about too far down the line. We have to do our job [today].”

United have lost six from seven games in all competitions this campaign as they prepare to face Charlie Adam’s 18th-placed Fleetwood, who have won one, drawn two and lost one in the league.

Rudd said Carlisle’s striving for better results needs different elements to click.

“I think it's just all the little bits of the jigsaw coming together,” he said.

It could be the last game under United's caretaker bossesIt could be the last game under United's caretaker bosses (Image: Richard Parkes)

“And within that group, there's a lot of new faces that have joined the club since January time. So they're all gelling.

“You can see them becoming more confident and vocal around each other.

“I know it's easy to say that our results should just click, but there's about 15 new lads trying to get to know each other individually in the group.

“It's not an excuse, because it's the job, but it's not just going to be clicking, free-flowing straight away.

“But the lads have been excellent. We've done team-building things, we've done competitive things this week, and it's been positive – but it's only a positive week if you win on Saturday.”

Rudd remained on the same theme when asked if he and his fellow caretakers had enjoyed being in temporary charge.

“Again, that comes down to results,” he said. “If we win on Saturday, it's been enjoyable.

“Obviously, last Saturday at Bradford it wasn't enjoyable. That's purely based on the result.

“We think we've had a really good, positive week. The feedback we're getting from players is that they're enjoying it.

“But actually it's miles more enjoyable when you've won a game of football, so it purely comes down to that result on a Saturday.”