Paul Simpson says it is vital Carlisle United make the most of the “head of steam” they built up with fans at the end of last season.
The Blues boss has stressed that they must not squander the goodwill they generated during a positive finish to 2021/22.
Simpson’s return to the club in February inspired a dramatic turnaround both in the team’s form and the mood of supporters.
As he bids to rebuild the team for a better season next time around, the Cumbrian manager said harnessing the positive vibes in the fanbase is all important.
“We’ve built up a little bit of head of steam in terms of the enthusiasm coming from the supporters, and we have to make sure we keep it,” Simpson said.
“There’s no point letting it all fall flat on its backside and having nothing to look forward to.
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“We have to keep the feeling of goodwill that’s coming towards us, and we build a better football club, a better football squad, get better results for the people who are paying good money to come and follow us.”
Simpson has made one summer signing so far – Annan Athletic midfielder Owen Moxon – and is hoping to add to that soon.
He is also waiting for contract answers from three players offered new deals – Brennan Dickenson, Magnus Norman and Taylor Charters.
The Carlisle-born manager signed a three-year deal towards the end of last season and has spoken of his determination to rebuild the Blues after a period of struggle.
He has also spoken of the importance of fans and businesses getting on board.
Simpson spoke after the final game of 2021/22 about the need for as many people as possible to rally around the club and give it the best chance of success.
He said: “The truth is it’s the only way this club is going to prosper and move forward.
“People can complain about the ownership group but my understanding is there isn’t anybody else coming in waving a cheque to take it on.
“This is what we are. The group of directors running it, the three [co-owners] and the fans trust…they don’t have a blank chequebook they can throw at it.
“We need the fans to come in, we need support. The fans have been absolutely superb and we need everybody to come and help.
“We’ve got so many people who are enthusiastic about Carlisle United in our area. I think if you can have a successful Carlisle United it will make the community, the city, the pubs, the bars and restaurants…everybody can have a positive feel.
“It’s a bit of a chicken and egg [situation], because they’re probably thinking, ‘we’ll come back when you do well’, but we need them to come back to help us do well.
“Let’s give us a hand, give us a fighting chance to be successful. We haven’t got a fairy godmother on the board who can just wave a cheque. We have to generate as much as we can.
“There’s a real positive feel about the place. Let’s keep it going, the only way to do that is support us, and we will try to get a group of players who have passion and desire to do things properly, and hopefully it will take us forward.”
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