Steven Pressley has admitted he would “love” to be Carlisle United’s manager for the long-term – but promotion is the only thing on his agenda right now.

United’s boss, whose side face a big six-pointer at play-off rivals Colchester today, was backed recently by chairman Andrew Jenkins.

The Blues co-owner and long-term backer said in his programme notes last weekend that he “couldn’t see any reason” why Pressley’s short-term deal wouldn’t be extended beyond this campaign.

The Scot said he was extremely happy with life at Brunton Park and would like to “get his teeth” into the Blues over a longer period.

But he stressed the 13-game run-in is all that currently matters.

Pressley said: “I’m very much aware that football changes on a weekly basis. He [Jenkins] might put in his notes next game that I’ve lost my job!

“One of the attractions of coming here was there was a good stability about this club; they have certainly given managers the chance to put their stamp on it.

“But I’m not even thinking about that. I’m only thinking about one thing, to try and gain promotion.”

Getting Carlisle back to winning ways in Essex today would certainly provide a timely boost both to the Blues’ promotion prospects and Pressley’s long-term fate.

It is the manager’s sixth game in charge, the ex-Coventry and Fleetwood chief having succeed John Sheridan in January.

Pressley added: “I really love it here. I’ve had a really good feeling about the club. Even my family, when they’ve come up, have all said there’s a lovely feeling about the club and it’s true.

“There are good people, a really good support, a massive potential, we’ve got the nucleus of a good team that with the right additions can be a very good team – there’s a lot in place.

“We’ve got a director of football in place, which I like, because it takes a lot off my desk that I don’t want to deal with, and it allows me to focus on what I love, which is managing the players and team and making those decisions.

“I’m really comfortable at this moment in time. We’ll see over the next couple of months but hopefully if all goes well I’d love to extend my stay.

“I think this is a club I can get my teeth into [and] I think I’ve got really good support, which is a big thing.”

Pressley’s selection decisions today will concern defenders Danny Grainger and Tom Parkes as they return from injury.

Striker Mark Cullen’s claims for a start will also be assessed after his hour of reserve-team action this week.

Hosts Colchester are without Harry Pell (hamstring) and former Carlisle loanee Brandon Comley (knee), with Tom Lapslie (hamstring) to be assessed ahead of the game.