Carlisle United Football Club

“One of the messages we keep giving out is that we’re trying to turn a squad of players into a team at the moment,” he said. “We need the work ethic to achieve that and we come back to the motto we take with us everywhere – stop the opposition and then we can play. The plan is that will lead to Carlisle United winning and drawing more games.”

“If I’m being honest, the score line slightly flattered us at the weekend,” he continued. “We had a few scary moments but I thought we had the better of the game at 0-0. The fragile nature of the team showed through a bit after we got our first goal. I could definitely sense it, but that will change the more times we take the lead in games.

“We needed to be resilient, and we were. The more they came forward to search for the equaliser the more exposed they were at the back, and that gave us weaknesses to exploit. Again, that’s something that happens and we need to get used to being in front and then going on to close games off.”

On the visit to Tranmere, he said: “They need a result, whether that’s in the league or in the Johnstone’s Paint. But, so do we. We want to continue our good run and we’re mindful of the fact they might make changes. 

“We might do the same, but we’re going there with the same mindset as if it was a league fixture. The preparation and attention to detail will be exactly the same and we’ll go there to get the result. Some clubs talk about using their fringe players but, when you look in our dressing room, we don’t have any of those. I have a squad of players to choose from.

“This is an important competition which ends up with the potential of a cup final at Wembley. That can be fantastic for the club, and the community, and it starts at places like Accrington and Tranmere. What you need to remember is that it isn’t about where it starts, it’s where it finishes.

“I’ve got some fantastic personal memories of the competition from my playing days. I even scored a penalty against Mansfield once and it can bring good days as a player. I’m sure all of these lads are aware of that.”

And on the shape of the current squad, he said: “I’ve told the owners I will do a detailed document for them for next Monday. This will be a guide for them on what I feel the players who are at this football club can offer us. Once that ‘s been done they’ll be able to see where we’re at and where I want us to go. I don’t ever panic and I want to make sure I’ve done a fair evaluation of all of the players.

“I’ve had the opportunity to bring in a new chief scout to help with all football matters. His name is Lee Dykes and he will tie up all of the ends for me. I can’t do everything and I need somebody on board to keep me organised. 

“I’m very good at identifying things that need done but I need people with me who can follow through on getting them completed. Colin West is my right hand man, he makes sure all my footballing ideas are implemented, and Lee will be my left hand man to make sure all the little important things come to fruition. 

“He has worked at Oldham previously and I also worked with him at Notts County. I’ve worked in America with him on coaching courses and I know he has a good understanding of how I operate. He’ll go to look at players and opposition for me and he’ll advise me on where I should be going as a follow up to it all.

“I’ve had a good conversation with Les O’Neill to let him know what we’re planning as we go forward. He understands my point of view because I need my chief scout to be based away from Carlisle. There are absolutely no hard feelings and we fully intend to keep using Les for the knowledge, experience and contacts he can bring to this club. He’s welcome here at any time because I do know the support he gives to Carlisle United.”

“Everything we’re doing is with the intention of getting results,” he concluded. “We’re still trying to create a wave here and if people see everyone working here giving everything they’ll respond to that. The fans need to feel part of it and, from the singing and reaction we saw at the weekend, they definitely felt part of it at Hartlepool. We want that for them every week.”