Paul Simpson has called for a united front as Carlisle United bid to make a positive start to the new season this weekend.

The Blues host Crawley Town on Saturday (Brunton Park, 3pm) as they attempt to improve on 2021/22’s season of struggle.

Simpson is weighing up some last-minute selection decisions as he assesses his squad ahead of the curtain-raiser, which is set to attract a good opening-day crowd.

And the manager has stressed that, whoever is selected, the whole squad must remain together throughout a long campaign.

“The players all deserve an opportunity to start. Unfortunately there’s only 11 of them who can, but it’s up to them,” said Simpson.

“And what they’re saying to me is they know this season’s going to be about the whole group together, and we have to stick together, and create the right environment so everybody feels part of it.”

Simpson’s decisions include the wait for a contract answer from midfielder Jamie Devitt.

READ MORE: Carlisle United boss issues contract ultimatum to Jamie Devitt

He is also checking on the fitness of Brennan Dickenson and Ryan Edmondson ahead of the visit of Kevin Betsy’s Crawley.

And United’s boss and head of recruitment Greg Abbott are continuing to work on possible targets with a view to bolstering the squad.

Simpson said this week’s work on the training ground has been tailored towards having the team in prime condition to start on the front foot against Crawley.

Earlier in the week, he said he had planned a “technical” session on Tuesday where he would underline “some generic structure of how we’re going to play...little reminders.

“Thursday is some team work and Friday will be a very light session, like a matchday minus one normally is, and hope they go into the game against Crawley full of energy and enthusiasm.”

United this week said they’d sold 1,000 more tickets than they had for the opening game last season.

That points to a crowd well in excess of 7,000, given last season’s opener against Colchester United attracted 6,382 fans.

The game is likely to see competitive debuts for many of Simpson's summer signings - with Tomas Holy, Ben Barclay, Owen Moxon, Fin Back, Sonny Hilton and Edmondson all hoping for selection.