One more signing – left-sided defensive cover – can give Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson the squad he would feel comfortable with for the season.
The Blues have recruited two more players this week ahead of Saturday’s trip to Colchester and Simpson believes he is almost there on recruitment.
Simpson said: ”I think if I could get one more in a certain area I’d feel as though we’re in a good place.
“That changes very quickly if you pick up injuries, so touch wood we don’t get any more. I think if we avoid that and get another in we’ll be in a very good place.
“One thing we know we’re a little bit short on is cover on that left side of defence, so it’s an area we’re looking to do. It’s just a matter of are the players we’ve identified going to be available and allowed to come out or not.
Joining United in the build-up to the Colchester game have been midfielder Jayden Harris and striker Jack Stretton.
“I’ve talked a lot about the fact I wanted new faces through the door and it just happens that two have been able to come in this week,” said Simpson.
“I’m really pleased that we’ve been able to get Jayden and I’m thankful that the club have been prepared to back me on that.
“They’re trusting my judgement on these things and that’s a good thing to have. It’s on me to make sure that I get more of these decisions right than wrong.
“We’ve had to pay an undisclosed fee but he’s a player who I think has got real potential to go on again.
“All signings are a gamble, everything we do is a bit of a gamble. I just have to hope it’s a good gamble, it’s a worthwhile one and we all benefit. I think it’s down to hard work now.”
Carlisle played an undisclosed fee to Aldershot for ex-Fulham midfielder Harris while Stretton has joined from Derby County on a season-long loan.
“He’s another who has real potential and Derby are looking for him to take that next step.
“He was on the bench for their first-team last week, for their opening game, but they’ve brought another forward in which has allowed this to happen.
“He’s really looking forward to the challenge of trying to work his way into our team, and both lads know they’re coming into a group that’s done really well over pre-season.
“It’s a group that’s also started well, so anybody coming into that is going to have to work hard to get into the team.”
Last year Stretton played five games on loan with Stockport County in the National League and scored five goals.
