Adam Collin: It's vital Carlisle Utd keep the core of this squad together

The keeper, who lines up against Cambridge today (Brunton Park, 3pm) is poised to remain at the club for another year after United activated an option in his contract.

Collin said he has yet to sign the new year-long terms but expects to do so once he has thrashed out some final details.

And the Cumbrian believes it is crucial United keep the core of their play-off chasing squad in place, whether or not they reach League One.

Collin said: “We’ve got a good squad, a good balance of youth and experience, and I think it’s vitally important that the club keep hold of the large majority of them.

“It doesn’t matter whether we’re into League One or this league, it’s important to get some of the boys tied down.

“There will be a lot of players in the same situation, out of contract, and it can be a bit of a rat race [in the summer] to get yourself something sorted.

“It’s not an easy situation to be in so, for the club and the squad, I think it’s important to tie some players down.”

Others on board for next season include Kelvin Etuhu, who triggered a contract extension through appearances and returns to the squad today, having missed last weekend’s game following the birth of his son.

United have also activated an option on Hallam Hope, while a host of other senior players are out of contract in the summer, including Jamie Devitt, Tom Parkes, Gary Liddle, Anthony Gerrard and Danny Grainger.

Collin added: “It doesn’t matter what age or position you are, you’ve always got to weigh your options up and see what’s about.

“But I’m more than happy here. I was delighted to come back, have had a good season so far, touch wood, and hopefully I can kick on again next year.

“Ninety per cent of [the new contract] is done and dusted. I’m doing a lot of travelling at the minute, up and down, and there are a couple of bits in there I have to sort out, but as long as I get those done with David Holdsworth [United’s director of football] then it will be sorted.”

Collin says Carlisle – who could move back into the play-off places with victory today – need to make sure they keep their heads during the tense run-in.

The man from Great Salkeld has tasted play-off success in the past with Rotherham and says it is important not to over-hype any disappointments or become too anxious about results at this stage of the campaign, such as Carlisle’s recent poor defeat at home to Notts County.

“I’ve been there and done it and it’s about how to handle each occasion,” he said.

“Sometimes the boys in the dressing room are saying, ‘this is a must-win game’, or ‘we have to have three points here’, and I’m like, ‘No, not necessarily – don’t be too disappointed if we get a draw, and at least make sure we don’t come away with a defeat’.

“Of course you want to win every game, and yes, everybody expected us to beat Notts County the other night, but it’s important that, if we have a disappointment like that, we don’t lose sight of where we want to go and get too down about it.

“There were nine games left after that game, plenty of time to get where we wanted, and it’s just important we prepare right and see where it goes.

“There are no easy games in this league, it doesn’t matter who you play. Anybody can beat anybody, it’s so tight, and we’ve kept in touch.

“We had a good period over Christmas and January which put us in good stead, and it allows you to have a few bad weeks. We’ve had them, and hopefully people are now understanding bit better how the manager wants us to set up and play.

“Looking at last Saturday’s game, you could see things clicking a lot more.”

Collin believes the 1-1 draw at Forest Green saw the sort of performance level United will need to repeat over their remaining eight games – starting today against a Cambridge side that includes ex-Blues men Jabo Ibehre and David Amoo.

“I think it was a very good performance – we dominated a very good team, especially away from home,” he said. “The conditions were tough, we created very good chances and were a bit disappointed not to come away with three points.

“We did some good work on the training ground in the lead up to it and put it into action on the pitch. I think we showed a good few people what we’re about and what we’re capable of.

“Forest Green are probably the best passing team in the league. They’ve got the highest possession stats, so you’ve got to play a little bit differently against them than we will against Cambridge, who will be a bit more direct at times. It’s horses for courses sometimes, we had a game plan and it worked well for us.

“Cambridge have got some good players and it was a tight game down there [in September] when we beat them 2-1,” Collin added. “It will probably be another tight game and hopefully our quality will come through. We have to give a performance like we did at Forest Green and be a bit more clinical.”

Collin also hopes for a return to calmer weather conditions this afternoon after being tested by strong winds in United’s last two outings.

The 3-1 Notts County defeat came as Storm Gareth raged in Cumbria, while it was another blustery afternoon at Forest Green.

Asked about keeping goal in such conditions, Collin said: “It’s very tough, especially with the rain against Notts County as well – it was horrible, really.

“You’ve just got to take yourself out of the situation, focus on your own game and strip it right down as much as possible – do the basics really well.

“Kicking into that wind last Saturday in the second half was tough, but I’m experienced enough to deal with it.”

Collin says he would relish the chance to help United to play-off glory. He added: “I’d love it, love to have another day at Wembley in a play-off final.

“I’ve been to Wembley twice with Carlisle in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy, which were fantastic experiences. If we can get to the play-off final and get promoted it would be right up there, one of the best days.”