Manager Keith Curle on the visit of Stevenage this weekend
Manager Keith Curle spoke to us ahead of the visit of Stevenage at the weekend.
“The game at the weekend is another opportunity for us to go out and compete,” he said. “The players have done that for us in the last few games and, with that, they are giving themselves a chance.
“I think both teams will go toe-to-toe to earn the right to play. Stevenage will bring hard work, endeavour and total commitment. There is belief in their players for the way they play the game and they have good strengths in their squad. A big part of that strength I just talked about is the fact they have such a strong belief in what they’re doing.”
“For our part, if we keep producing the level of performance we’re seeing at the moment then we will get more and more people through the gates,” he told us. “The fans will start to enjoy coming to watch Carlisle United because they will feel entertained.
“They’ll see the application and desire, and a little bit of skill as well. Now they’ve started to find some of the confidence that was missing they are really starting to express themselves. We’re trying to create an atmosphere where we don’t fear games.
“I’ve said before, there are coaches who don’t like the 90 minutes of football on a Saturday or a Tuesday. I’m a person who thrives on it. I’m all about game days and I want that to be the same for my players. Get the preparation right and do everything you can to make sure you’re in the right frame of mind to get the three points once you cross over that white line.”
And speaking about Colin West and Lee Dykes, his immediate backroom staff, he said: “I think it’s important to have the right staff around you.
“I’ve got a good eye for detail and for what I want to happen. I like things to be done correctly but I’m mindful of the fact I can’t do everything. There are things I’ve seen that I want to change but it can’t be done straight away. What I don’t want is for other people to start to think I’ve forgotten about them. Off the field, part of the job for Colin [West] and Lee [Dykes] is to make sure things do get done on my behalf.”
“They will also make sure the ideas we have through the early part of the week are put into place on a Thursday and Friday,” he continued. “With the amount going on I do forget certain things so it will be down to them to make them happen.
“They both understand the attention to detail I like. I firmly believe that if you’re going to do something, you should do it right. They will always do that for me. I trust their opinion completely and they are both comfortable with sharing it with me. Then, once I’ve made a decision, whether it goes with what they have said or not, they back me completely.”
“Colin is a fantastic coach and he has a huge amount of experience,” he said. “He probably wants to be a number one himself and I’m sure, when the time is right, he will go on to do it. He understands the role of the number two completely and he takes a lot of pressure off me.
“I worked with Lee when he was a scout at Notts County. The level of detail in his work was excellent and he impressed me with the way he conducted himself. I went on coaching courses with him in America and we built up a friendship and a relationship.
“He has a good eye for talent and for opposition analysis and the work he presents from that is exceptional. He will coordinate everything I need to do on and off the field so that I’m in the right place at the right time and I will also know why I’m there.”
Keep an eye on the official website for interviews with Colin West and Lee Dykes next week.
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