Paul Simpson says Carlisle United can be proud of the fact they’re in the promotion running against clubs with much bigger budgets.

The Blues’ spending power, manager Simpson says, is “dwarfed” by others in the play-offs.

Stockport County are among the division’s big spenders with United’s semi-final opponents Bradford City, who attract by far League Two's biggest attendances, having recruited heavily in recent times.

Salford City’s spending, backed by their Class of 92 owners and businessman Peter Lim, is also well-known.

While United increased their own playing budget to back Simpson this season, the Carlisle boss says their spending levels are not in the same league as others in the end of season shake-up.

“I know it’s not all about money, but we’re competing against teams who are absolutely dwarfing our budget, making it look like small change,” said Simpson.

“To get the play-offs is brilliant for us, but we’ve got to make sure we keep going.

“This is a huge thing for the club in terms of finances, and now we’ve got an opportunity to keep ourselves involved in a promotion chase.”

News and Star: Stockport are among League Two's biggest spendersStockport are among League Two's biggest spenders (Image: PA)

Carlisle will indeed receive a welcome financial boost from their involvement in the play-offs.

United recently set out how the proceeds are split from the forthcoming games.

The total net gate income from all four semi-final games is pooled and then shared between the four clubs involved and the rest of the EFL – with the clubs sharing 50 per cent, and the rest of the league sharing the other half.

The same applies in the final – but the 50 per cent for the play-off teams is only shared by the two teams involved at Wembley.

With United’s semi-finals set to be televised by Sky Sports, the Blues can also look forward to a facility fee, with both the home and away clubs receiving the same amount.

United boss Simpson, meanwhile, was pleased his players’ optimistic pre-season aims had taken them into the play-offs.

“[If someone had offered me this in the summer] I would have absolutely snapped their hands off,” he said.

“In the summer the players said they thought they could get promotion. That was the challenge set down all the time.

“I didn’t expect it, I didn’t demand that of them, they said it.

“We said, ‘To achieve that you’re going to have to bring your best level of performance’.

“We’ve certainly done it enough to get in the play-offs, we haven’t done it enough to take it that extra little step. But I’m really pleased.”