Manager Paul Simpson says he is unlikely to follow the lead of one of Carlisle United’s promotion rivals by offering contracts to players before the summer.

Fellow high-fliers Northampton Town have moved to secure the futures of a number of players with recent deals.

But Blues manager Simpson, whose side return to action against Hartlepool United on Tuesday, said there were reasons why he would steer away from such a move at Brunton Park.

Some key players’ deals are up at the end of the campaign.

Simpson said: “We’ve had some early discussions amongst the staff about how we want to do it.

“The problem you have is, if you start talking to players about contracts now, and you can’t agree, they’re unsettled until the end of the season.

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“I think the stance we probably will take is similar to last year – we won’t be making any final decisions until the end of the season.”

Simpson said that, while United are drawing up plans for beyond this season, there was merit in waiting until May before offering terms to members of his squad.

“We obviously have a plan in place, I’ve got a squad visual on my computer that I have an idea about what I want next season, who’s under contract, who we have options on to keep at the club, and who’s out of contract who we’d like to keep,” he said.

News and Star: Jon Mellish is among the players whose deal is up this summer, though United have an option to extend it by a further 12 monthsJon Mellish is among the players whose deal is up this summer, though United have an option to extend it by a further 12 months (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“We have an idea of what areas we then need to strengthen.

“We’ll continue to have those conversations, but I would be really surprised if we start sitting down with players and starting to negotiate, because at this moment in time, the chances are all of these players will want more money than we can afford to pay them.

“There’s no point unsettling them – we just have to accept we’ve got to go to the end of the season, then we’ll see how we are in terms of league position, what league we’re in, and what finances are going to be available to us.”

Simpson, meanwhile, has cooled suggestions he could make further moves in the January transfer window.

Carlisle have made four signings so far in Jack Robinson, Alfie McCalmont, John-Kymani Gordon and Joe Garner.

Simpson has previously left open the possibility of signing cover at right wing-back, where Joel Senior is currently the only fit pro.

But he is more likely to rely on other players in the squad as cover until Jack Ellis, and then Fin Back, return from injury.

“I’m confident with what we’ve got at the moment,” he said.

“The fact Saturday’s game [at Bradford City] was off has taken a bit of that headache away, because I’m looking at Joel Senior having returned after ten months out, and thinking Saturday-Bradford, Tuesday-Hartlepool, Saturday-Rochdale, Tuesday-Barrow, may be a bit too much for him.

“So now we’ll see how he goes over the next few games and whether or not we feel he’s able to keep going.

“I think we’ve got options in the group I consider would be able to go and do a job at right wing-back or right-back, if I think Joel needs to get a breather.

“At the moment I think we’re ok.”

Simpson said he had not yet received any approaches from other clubs for his own players.

“Nothing’s changed at all on that – there’s not been anything for any of our lads, I’m pleased to say,” he said.