Paul Simpson says Carlisle United have to cling onto the coat-tails of the kind of League One sides they’ve faced so far.

Manager Simpson says Carlisle’s opponents to date include good examples of teams to emulate.

He says the way sides such as Fleetwood Town, Oxford United and Exeter City have stabilised in League One after promotions over the years is something United must follow.

“That’s what we have to strive to achieve,” said the Blues manager.

“We’ve found that with all the games we’ve played, all of the teams are teams who’ve established themselves in League One.

“That’s what we’re trying to do. We have to grab hold of their coat-tails and make sure we stay close to that.”

WATCH: New Carlisle United striker's goals for Fulham

Carlisle next take on another side who have found their feet in League One after a recent promotion.

Port Vale won the League Two play-offs in 2022 and finished 18th in the third tier last season.

The Valiants survived by a four-point margin and, this season, have started solidly with two wins, a draw and a defeat from their first four league games.

After losing their opener 7-0 at Barnsley, Andy Crosby’s side are unbeaten in four games in all competitions.

Their most recent outing saw an impressive 3-2 win at Charlton Athletic, having previously held Blackpool, beaten Reading and knocked Fleetwood Town out of the Carabao Cup.

Carlisle are awaiting their first win and Simpson wants them to make the next step as soon as possible.

“I don’t want to sit and be satisfied that we’re now in League One and let’s have a little rest,” said the United manager.

“I want to push on, I want to make sure that we’re like Exeter City, Oxford United, Fleetwood Town, we are regarded [like one of those] League One sides.”