Paul Simpson admits Jordan Gibson is likely to be one of the few Carlisle United players with whom he’ll discuss a new contract.

But United’s manager said he will not be tabling lots of offers to members of his squad given the team’s current predicament.

Carlisle now have more leeway to discuss new terms with players after the completion of the Piatak takeover.

Gibson has been United’s leading light so far in 2023/24 and is one of a number of players whose current deal is up next summer.

Simpson said he has had preliminary discussions but stressed that there is plenty to think about in terms of shaping a squad that can, first and foremost, keep Carlisle in League One.

“I’m sure he would be [one to think about]. I’ve had conversations with him already,” said Simpson, asked about Gibson by the News & Star.

“But that’s all they have been – there have not been any offers.

“I haven’t [looked at contracts] this week because my real focus is on players being right for the weekend. I don’t want to be talking about contracts of players this week.

“We have a bit of an opportunity after the Reading game where we may pick it up again. We’ll wait and see.

“I don’t expect to be talking to loads of players, that’s the top and bottom of it. Because we’re in a bit of a precarious position at the moment and I want to make sure players who we have got here who are out of contract…I want to make sure they’re the right ones to take the club forward.

News and Star: Paul Simpson said there is unlikely to be a host of new contract offers following the Piataks' takeoverPaul Simpson said there is unlikely to be a host of new contract offers following the Piataks' takeover (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“We’ve got a challenge to put a group of players together who can climb this league table.

“What we’ve done so far isn’t good enough to get us where we want to be. We have to make sure everybody steps up now and tries to take it to another level.

“If the club’s going to go to another level, staff and players have also got to show we can take it to another level.”

Owen Moxon is another player United are keen to retain with a contract offer having long been on the table for the midfielder.

Simpson added that, in terms of retaining players and attracting new ones, those involved must be ready and determined to play their part.

“You have to make sure you’ve got players who really want to throw themselves into the football club,” he said.

“That’s what really appealed to me about [new signing] Josh Emmanuel coming.

“He was so determined, he was coming, he wanted to come and show us.

“I ain’t gonna beg players to sign for Carlisle. If they don’t want to come that’s their choice.

“I think this club is in a position where we’re looking upwards and hoping to be bigger and better. I think this could be a really good environment to be part of.

“If players don’t want to [be part of it], then…that’s not the right sort of personality we want here.

“Those conversations will go on over the coming weeks, months, and hopefully we’ll get the right people involved.”

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