Paul Simpson has underlined the importance of Carlisle United’s fans sticking with the Blues as they make the step up into League One.

Simmo says the backing of supporters will be vital as they take on the “challenge” of adapting to life in a higher division.

Carlisle’s 2023/24 campaign gets under way tomorrow with the visit of Fleetwood Town.

The News & Star is again rallying behind the manager and United with our relaunched ‘Back The Blues – in League One’ message.

Simpson says fans gave his side superb backing last term and such support will be needed again.

“They have been outstanding and we need them. We need them to stay with us,” the United boss said.

“This is a big step up for us as a football club. We've probably gone up earlier than we expected to.

“So it's going to be a challenge and we've just got to keep working together and stick together and hope that we can put smiles on faces with our performances week in, week out.”

News and Star: The News & Star is repeating its rallying call for people to back the BluesThe News & Star is repeating its rallying call for people to back the Blues (Image: Gary York/Newsquest)

Carlisle’s game against Fleetwood will be their first in the third tier since 2014.

It follows last season’s stunning victory in the League Two play-offs.

Simpson says there remains a noticeable buzz around Brunton Park.

And he hopes that translates into a successful start to the new season.

“It’s a brilliant day to look forward to, our first game back in League One, and it's got to be about us. We have to make it right for us,” he said.

“The supporters have been magnificent since I came back, however long ago it was...

“Last season they all got rewarded for everything that they spend, for all of the journeys that they make, all of the support that they've given us.

“And [this weekend] is the sort of the start of it all again for us.

“You look around the ground and I think we've got every part of the stadium sponsored now. It's just been brilliant from local businesses, all the boards around us are all full.

“It's fantastic. There's a real, real, positive buzz about it. We need to make sure the football's got that buzz about us and keep the fans happy.”