Paul Simpson says giving something back to Carlisle United’s short-changed home fans is the focus now.

The Blues are preparing for their penultimate Brunton Park fixture of the season when play-off chasing Blackpool visit on Saturday.

While Carlisle’s relegation fate was sealed last weekend, the picked up a positive result in midweek with Tuesday’s victory at Cheltenham Town.

With three games left before the return to League Two, United will now look to end an eight-game winless run on home soil which has yielded a single point.

“We have to try and give our fans something at home because we haven’t given them enough,” said Simpson.

“That’s our challenge now in the two home games coming up – we just have to give something back to our fans.

“It’s been a real frustrating season, we all know that, we can’t change the fate, but we have to try and do everything we possibly can to give our fans something at Brunton Park.

News and Star: Carlisle have improved on their travels but only have one point at home since New Year's DayCarlisle have improved on their travels but only have one point at home since New Year's Day (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“I know it doesn’t change the whole complexion of the season but I am as determined as I’ve ever been to try and get some results to give the home fans something to take home as well.”

United’s away form of late has improved, with three wins from their last five games on the road.

But they are without a Brunton Park victory since New Year’s Day.

While results are now academic in terms of Carlisle’s position, Simpson says giving supporters something positive before the end of the season can still be important.

After another strong backing from the Blue Army at Cheltenham, the manager said: “It’s outstanding – the truth is our performances probably haven’t deserved it.

“But they’re sticking with us and that’s important. We do need them, we need them to be with us, we need them next season.

“I know we’ve got three games left but we’re now trying to make sure we do these last three properly – they’ll go very quickly, and we have to make sure we give the fans something to take into the summer ready for next season.

“[Against Blackpool] I want to see that type of attitude, desire, that sheer determination to keep the ball out of our net [that we showed on Tuesday].”