Keith Millen says he has to find a way of playing that suits Carlisle United – but it won’t be a direct style.

New manager Millen, who is starting his first full week in charge, says the Blues do not have the players to execute a “long-ball game”.

The boss says his challenge now is to find a playing identity that can help the struggling team improve their performances and results.

His reign started with a 3-0 defeat at Northampton on Saturday, which highlighted the scale of the job facing the former Bristol City boss.

And, asked what work he could realistically do to improve things in the short term, Millen said: “You can work more in training, without a doubt.

“I said to the players after the game that me and the staff need to look at whether it’s a system or way of playing that’s going to help them.

“Sometimes you change the system and it gives them a bit of belief or confidence. But it needs to suit the players we’ve got

“I’ve always been a believer in that.

“There’s nothing wrong with it, but we haven’t got the forwards or the players to play a long ball game.

“That’s not an answer, but there are other ways of playing.

News and Star: Zach Clough, right, in action at Northampton (photo: Barbara Abbott)Zach Clough, right, in action at Northampton (photo: Barbara Abbott)

“I thought we coped generally well with Northampton. That pleased me. But it’s when we get the ball, we’ve got to have a way of playing that hurts the opposition.”

Millen’s predecessor Chris Beech was often criticised for the direct style of play seen this season as the Blues’ slid down League Two.

A similar style had taken United to the top of the table in January before the team declined.

Millen’s first home game in charge sees the visit of non-league minnows Horsham to Brunton Park in the FA Cup first round this week.

Beech’s successor, meanwhile, has again played down the prospect of an immediate raid on the free agent market to boost Carlisle’s second-bottom squad.

“If you can come up with a name for me I’ll be more than happy to look at it,” Millen told the News & Star.

“I certainly won’t bring a player in just for the sake of it.

“We are looking, but often free agents are free agents for a reason.

“I’ve not been told or seen anyone who I think could do a job for us at the moment.

“We carry on looking but if not, I have to work with this group of players. I knew that from day one. Nothing’s changed.”