Carlisle United boss reveals hopes over Billy Barr's return

The coach has returned to Brunton Park on a deal until the end of the season.

Simpson says he hopes the experienced first-team coach can make a short-term impact on United’s fortunes.

But he also hopes Barr will remain part of his backroom staff for longer.

“Absolutely – it's a view to even longer term,” said Simpson.

“At the moment we need to get through to the end of this season, which has been a real tough season for us.

Barr is back in the United set-up for the first time since 2006 (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“We’ll reassess everything then.”

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Barr was in the United dugout for the first time since 2006 for Saturday’s 1-0 home defeat to Portsmouth.

His second spell with the club continues with tonight’s trip to Burton Albion.

Barr joined United's coaching staff ahead of Saturday's game against Portsmouth (Image: Ben Holmes)

Simpson last Friday drafted in the 55-year-old who had most recently been assistant manager at Dundee.

Barr had previously been a player and then coach at United from 1997 to 2006, latterly under Simpson.

“I just got to a point where I felt as though I needed a fresh voice and a fresh face and maybe even different ideas,” said Simpson.

“And he's already added to it even with his input on the bench, and input when we're in the dressing room.

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“It's another pair of hands, another pair of eyes and ears to try and help us because I just felt we're all scarred at the moment with what's going on this season.

Billy Barr with fellow Blues coaches Adam Kwiecien and Geoff Haugh (Image: Barbara Abbott)

“So I wanted just to bring somebody fresh into it to see if we can just break the pattern of what's going on.

“I felt as though if we carry on, just keep doing [the same things], then we might just get the same results.

“So hopefully, very soon, we'll see an effect.

“But if we do turn it around, it won't just solely because of Billy Barr, it will be because of what everybody is trying to do. Because we're all trying to do the right things.”

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