Sutton United boss on Carlisle United ahead of last-day clash

The manager of the Blues’ last-day hosts says Paul Simpson and his side have done “brilliantly” to remain in the hunt.

Carlisle will clinch a play-off place at Gander Green Lane on Monday barring a dramatic goal difference swing.

And Gray does not expect the Cumbrians to have one eye on the play-offs before the job is mathematically done.

“Until you’re mathematically, including goal difference, in the play-offs they won’t be taking their eye off the ball whatsoever,” said Gray in a club interview.

“Freak results and situations can happen. Football certainly has a knack of surprising you. Just look at Northampton and Bristol Rovers last season.

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“They [Carlisle] won’t be taking anything for granted. They’ll be looking to get the job done, and any team would be looking to do into the play-offs in a bit of form.

“They’ve done brilliant to [probably] finish in the play-offs with the big clubs and budgets in this league.

Sutton boss Matt Gray (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“For them to be in and around that…and I’m not saying for a second that Carlisle aren’t a big club, but I wouldn’t have imagined their financial resources would be right up there with some of the ones in and around them.

“They’ve done brilliantly to stay in there and, even with games, [had the chance] to try and nick automatic.

“They’re a top side and it will be a really tough game.”

Sutton are 14th in the table as they prepare to complete their second season as an EFL club.

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They were in the play-off race themselves for a spell but have tailed off with a ten-game winless run and six straight defeats.

Gray says they want to end their campaign on a positive note at their home ground.

“We’re really looking forward to being back at home, putting a performance in and finishing off what’s been another great season for us,” said Gray.

“You always want to win football matches – that competitive spirit is what we want to take into the Carlisle game.

“The attendances have been growing stronger every year since I took over. The feel-good factor around the club, and away and home support has been getting bigger and louder.

“We want to thank the supporters for sticking with us through a long season. We want to go off on a high.”

Sutton are without suspended goalkeeper Brad House, who was sent off at Harrogate Town last weekend, with Jack Rose set to start in his place.