Carlisle United boss on survival gap and Bolton Wanderers

United host Bolton Wanderers in front of a big crowd today (Brunton Park, 3pm) as they look to kickstart their survival push.

The Blues’ task was made harder this week when result elsewhere left them ten points adrift of the safety line.

But Simpson said there is no point fixating on that – and instead all the focus should be on getting results.

“People are saying the gap’s now ten points because results went against us – forget everybody else, we have to do our own,” said the Carlisle manager.

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“It starts with us. If we don’t do our results properly, it’s irrelevant what goes on anywhere else in the country.

“We’ve got to start soon and would be great if we could start this weekend in what should be a really good challenge and a game we’re looking forward to.”

Simpson – who is set to involve new signings Jack Diamond and Josh Vela in today’s squad – says mindsets have not changed despite the survival task getting more difficult.

Josh Vela, left, could make his Blues debut against his former club this afternoon (Image: PA)

“My mindset as I was driving into Bolton to watch them on Tuesday was, ‘we’ve got to start winning games’,” he said.

“And then coming back when I heard the results on Five Live it was, ‘we definitely need to start winning games’.

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“But that doesn't change. And I'm a big believer that if you don't do your own job properly, it’s irrelevant what happens with other teams and we haven't done our job properly so far.

“So we've still got enough games to be able to do it. And the sooner we start, ideally [today], we give ourselves the best chance.”

Today’s game should see one of the biggest home crowds of the season, with Bolton set to bring nearly 3,000 travelling fans, some of whom will be in the Waterworks End.

A five-figure attendance looks certain with good home numbers also set to watch second-bottom United take on Ian Evatt’s third-placed Trotters.

“We’ve got to to start with getting a win – it would be brilliant if we can do it in front of our own fans in a good crowd,” added Simpson.

“And that's the test for us – can we go and perform? Can we go and come out on top in all the individual battles and then, more than anything, get three points?”