How Carlisle United's new signings have helped 'raise the standard'

The Blues drafted in three new faces last week ahead of the impressive 2-0 victory over Bradford City.

And the arrival of Joel Senior, Tyrese Omotoye and Omari Patrick has given a welcome boost to the squad, according to Keith Millen’s assistant.

“I think it brings a new energy to training,” Skelton said.

“Some will be disappointed because it threatens them, but some will raise their game and that’s what you want – you want to raise the standard of the group all the time.

Tyrese Omotoye

“It brings a freshness – they haven’t carried the baggage of the season, of it not going as well as we would have liked, and it brings a freshness in, they’re eager to please their teammates and the fans.”

United could add to their transfer window signings as Millen bids to lead the Cumbrians further away from the League Two danger zone.

Carlisle’s win on Saturday took them six points clear of the bottom two and up to 19th – their highest position for three months ahead of further home games against Crawley Town on Saturday and Hartlepool United next Tuesday.

On the possibility of more new faces, Skelton added: “I think everyone’s looking in January. Everyone’s saying if it happens it happens, if it doesn’t it doesn’t.

“I think every club up and down the land in January expect to do business.”

Kelvin Mellor

Among the players to impress on Saturday was right-back Kelvin Mellor – whose position is now challenged by new boy Senior.

The experienced defender performed well against his former club.

Skelton said the 30-year-old had turned in a strong display and added: “Competition for places makes people go the extra five to ten per cent.

“Sometimes it’s natural, if you feel threatened you’re going to go up that bit extra – if you don’t someone will take your place.

“You want to bring in players that are potentially as good or better than the ones we’ve got, and hopefully that’s what we’ve done [last] week.”