Carlisle United Football Club

“It would be massive for us to get three points on Saturday because the bottom half of the table is so tight,” he said. “Every single person who walks into the club on Saturday has got a part to play because the easy thing to do is come along and be apprehensive. 

“Don't be - come here and believe we're going to win and that it is going to be a good game to watch. The players will be going out to show their application and desire to the supporters, but we need the fans to back us.”

“I'm going to make sure the focus is there on Saturday,” he added. “The players know what I'm about and it still hurts me that some of them let me down. There are good professionals in that changing room that other people need to get on board with. 

“The pleasing thing is that it's the majority of the players who are going in the right direction. I need to add character to that and unify that changing room so we all hurt together, and all celebrate together, rather than in factions.” 

“Saturday will be a massive test because of the radio and media coverage the events on Boxing Day have been given,” he told us. “I will find out whether the supporters are with me because that's what it's all about. 

“I need the supporters to back me and my team. I've punished the players who let them down and they've got to accept that. The players have accepted the punishment and now we move on. The supporters play a massive part in that by backing me and my judgement, but also by getting behind the players and helping to get a performance out of them.”

“Cambridge will come here on a high,” he agreed. “They will all want to be involved in their cup tie for obvious reasons. It can be a distraction for them, but the flip side is that they could also perform to their maximum because they all want to play against one of the biggest teams in the country. We’ll have to be ready to look after our game whatever it is we come up against.”

On the ongoing transfer dealings, he said: “We’ve had tentative interest in the some of the other players we’ve made available. 

“I think we have some agents who are testing the water but we aren’t forcing people out. There are good players here who aren’t performing to their maximum at the moment. The message is clear to the dressing room - the door isn’t shut on anybody if they want to get into my team. However, they need to do more.

“Matt Robson’s loan has freed up little bits and pieces but what people don’t realise is that clubs don’t pick up 100% of the player’s wages. All money that comes back into the pot does help, but ultimately we do have a shortfall going out to players that is of cost to the football club. That’s dead money effectively, and also why I have to do what I can to make sure I get the right players into the club whenever the opportunity comes up.”

“I haven’t received a single phone call about Brad Potts or Kyle Dempsey,” he confirmed. “I’m comfortable I’m comfortable with that because it’s not something I want.”