Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson hopes to quickly end his search for a new recruitment chief – and also secure the future of one of his key coaches.

Simmo is in talks with candidates to become the Blues’ new scouting boss.

And the manager is also hoping goalkeeping coach Paul Gerrard will turn down interest from higher clubs and stay at Brunton Park.

Simpson has made a new head of recruitment a top priority in his bid to rebuild the club.

He said: “There’s a few options at the moment. There’s probably one who’s a little bit further on than the others.

“I’m not really sure what’s going to happen with it yet but I hope very soon I’ll be able to get confirmation of that one.

“I’m quite relaxed about things like this. I want it done quickly but, if it can’t happen, there are loads and loads of experienced football people out there that can do this job.

“It’s up to me just to get the right one. I’m working with Nigel [Clibbens, chief executive] – we’ve got to make sure we secure the right person.”

Simpson said it was vital a new person was in place quickly.

“I can’t afford to wait,” he added. “We need it done, because we have to hit the ground running.

“We have to be ahead of the game and get in early.”

On Gerrard, the coach Simpson brought in at the start of his reign to replace former keeper coach Dan Hanford, the manager said United would have to fight off interest from elsewhere.

But he says he remains optimistic the former Everton and Oldham keeper will remain as part of his backroom team.

“I want that resolved soon as well,” Simpson said.

“He [Gerrard] is very good, so he’s got other people who are also interested in him.

“But he loves it here, he’s really enjoyed it, he’s thrown himself into it and we’ve got to make it right for him.

“It will depend on what other options are, and what type of offers he gets. The other two options are higher, in a higher level.

“But the fact he’s not saying no fills me with confidence, and when somebody doesn’t say no I’m like a dog with a bone and will try and make it work…

“I love the way he goes about his work. He’s got so much knowledge, he’s got real enthusiasm. And he’s absolutely loved Cumbria. He’s talked about wanting to finish his days in the Lake District.

“We’ve just got to make sure we try and keep him.”

Simpson has spoken about the lack of recruitment process he inherited upon taking charge at United.

And, having signed a three-year deal to remain at the helm, he believes making the most of the summer market will be crucial.

He added: “I really do think this summer will be a sort of kick back from what’s gone on through Covid, where clubs are readdressing their finances.

“Everybody has suffered from a financial point of view. We’ve got to make sure we get in early.

“I think if players get offered contracts, they need to seriously think about signing them because it’s going to be really tough this summer – a really tough environment for players to get contracts.

“There are going to be hundreds, maybe thousands out of contract, and we’ve got to be in a position where we can jump ahead of the game and go, ‘Right, we want you, this is what we’re gonna offer you’, and let’s hope we can get them through the door.”

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