Paul Simpson has told some of his under-contract Carlisle United players they can look for another club.

The Blues boss has not named the players concerned and said he will not be placing anyone on the transfer list.

But Simpson said he has informed some members of their squad that they are unlikely to figure in the side next season if United’s recruitment goes to plan.

Simpson confirmed he was happy for some players to move on when giving a club interview following the publication of Carlisle’s retained and released list.

“I’m not going to transfer list [anyone], I’m not going to make it public who they are,” said Simpson.

“There is no guarantee they are going to go. And I don’t want a situation where supporters are making accusations that [a player is not] fully with it.

“I’ve had the conversation and said, ‘If we get the players in who we want to, I don’t see you playing.

“’You have to come back in, fight and do everything you possibly can.

“I’ve been honest and said if you can find a better opportunity, go and try and find it.

“We will wait and see. If they don’t go, they are contracted to us and will carry on. But I’ve made it quite clear where my head is with it.”

Simpson, meanwhile, said it was a difficult task informing players they were no longer wanted by United, but said tough calls needed to be made.

He said releasing experienced captain Paul Huntington was a difficult call and said the Cumbrian had given the club excellent service over two years.

But he also suggested the 36-year-old was reaching a stage in his career where muscular injuries were proving an issue.

He said Huntington was outstanding in 2022/23 but said United now wanted a squad of “better athleticism”. Simpson also said the possibility of a coaching role for Huntington was not discussed, the manager saying the defender has not done any coaching qualifications and wanted to continue playing.

Young Ukrainian striker Anton Dudik is the only out-of-contract player to be offered a new deal, Simpson stressing it was a “development contract” on the table for the forward.

United’s boss said Carlisle were “taking a punt” on Dudik’s potential as a player still adapting to the professional game.

Simpson added that he wants a different “atmosphere” in the dressing room next season.

“I want a better level of professionalism,” he said.

“We’ve had a real problem this season because of the atmosphere inside the changing room, and we’ve not been able to change it.

“We’ve had too many players who have probably had their minds set on wanting to go, even though they were involved in the team.

“It’s been difficult to break that. I want a group who are showing leadership qualities, that want to be here.”