Craig Farrell, Mark Summerbell, Darren Kelly, Steve Livingstone, Des Byrne, Michael Jack, Brian Wake, John Slaven and David Lynn are the players that Simpson has made available as he seeks to re-mould the squad that is currently 10 points adrift at the foot of the league and on a club-record run of nine consecutive league defeats. In addition United indicated earlier in the week that flying winger Ryan Baldacchino would be allowed to stay at Gretna on a permanent basis. Baldacchino was loaned out by former manager Roddy Collins just before he was sacked in August. Simpson has been trying to add to the four players he has already brought to the club, but has recently complained of difficulties caused by United's perilous league position and geographic isolation, which has long been a problem for the remote Cumbrians. "I am currently trying to bring players in and don't envisage these nine being in the first team as I don't see them as being part of the squad in the long run. They are all available for loan or permanent transfers and the names have been circulated to Nationwide, Conference and Unibond teams. We need to clear some of the wage bill as we are close to the limit clubs can spend on wages out of their budget. That will then help me to bring players in," said Simpson today. The ex-Man City, Derby and Wolves player did a deal to bring Kevin Henderson to the club permanently earlier this month and has signed Shaun Smith, Steven Schumacher and Paul Arnison on loan. Last week after losing at home to Mansfield he claimed the current squad wasn't good enough. The board have promised to back him with cash to bring in new players. Picture from News & Star |
