Last updated at 10:57, Tuesday, 30 October 2012

Graham Kavanagh insists Carlisle United’s “soft touch” defending is the worst for three years – and the club may not be able to afford to put it right.

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Greg Abbott’s assistant made the worrying admission after the 4-2 home defeat to Bournemouth which left the Blues with the equal worst defensive record in League One.

United’s woes at the back also mean they have the joint worst home defensive record – 18 goals conceded – in all four divisions.

And asked by News & Star Sport whether the solution no longer lay in Abbott’s current squad, Kavanagh said money could be too tight to act.

“At the moment we probably don’t have a choice,” the coach said.

“I don’t know where we are exactly financially but if you ask any coach or manager if they would like to improve their squad, the answer would be yes.

“That will be something we will discuss early in the week. Whether it happens or not I don’t know. If not we will continue to work tirelessly to make us better.”

The defeat on Saturday – the second time in the last three home games in which the Blues have shipped four goals – was watched by another modest crowd of 4,050.

The dwindling crowds at Brunton Park reflect United’s inability to string together consistent performances and keep opponents at bay.

And the knock-on effect is that resources may be too thin for the Blues to find a solution in the form of new signings.

Kavanagh took questions on the latest home loss with Abbott failing to appear in front of the media after the game.

The manager kept his players locked in the dressing room for more than half-an-hour after the Cherries’ victory.

The assistant boss said of the display: “It was fine in possession but out of possession it was terrible.

“We didn’t win any second balls, didn’t compete well enough, weren’t in the right holes, didn’t stop crosses or shots, and I think across the board we were a bit of a soft touch, and that’s not like any team that’s been here in the last three years.

“The fans have been incredibly patient and all credit to them – I hope that continues.

“As a group of players, staff and fans we have to be pushing in the right direction. The fans are at the moment – it’s us who aren’t putting into the bargain.”

Kavanagh also described this weekend’s home clash with Ebbsfleet in the FA Cup first round as a “big, big game”.

JColman@cngroup.co.uk

First published at 11:02, Monday, 29 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk