Carlisle United Football Club

“The fans are giving us a fantastic level of support,” he said. “There’s an air of expectation from them and we want that. They know we have a group of players who are willing to compete and people will always come to see that. 

“I think the supporters appreciate how we're trying to play football and there's a growing understanding that teams won't always come here to play an open, expansive game of football. 

“We've got good players and a good team ethic so the opposition will come and try to nullify us in certain areas. The crowd got behind us on Saturday when Accrington tried to slow things down and word is spreading about what we're trying to do. There's a lot of positivity coming out of the club and it's all about what's happening on the pitch.”

“When the supporters identify that a team is trying to shut us down their roar can get us going,” he explained. “We're unbeaten and three points off the top of the league, and I think everyone realises that’s a good place to be. 

“The lads have worked extremely hard but we know how to look after them. I trust my medical department to give us good advice and together we know when to rest them and when to work them.

“This week was about getting a short break followed by bringing everyone back together for a condensed period of work. The lads who have been playing got Monday and Tuesday off, and some of the others played in the bounce game against Queen of the South. That gave them a chance to get good pitch time.

“The rest of the week is about getting ourselves right mentally and physically for the game against Leyton Orient.”