Simpson has been in negotiations with chairman John Courtenay this week and should be formally installed as permanent boss of the Cumbrians on Monday. The Carlisle-born midfielder has been caretaker boss since Roddy Collins was sacked on August 29. He has steered United to a win and two draws during his five games in charge. Simpson hopes to achieve his most significant victory to date when table-topping Swansea City visit Brunton Park this afternoon. A 5,000-plus crowd is expected for the visit of the league leaders who will have the division's top scorer Lee Trundle in their side although they will also have significant absentees. Midfielder Brad Maylett is out with a dead leg and Karl Connolly is sidelined with a fractured ankle. Roberto Martinez, Leon Hylton, Jonathan Coates and Stuart Jones are all on the injured list. In addition, defender Izzy Iriekpen is serving a one-game suspension. For United, Darren Kelly and Adam Rundle are back in the squad but Steve Livingstone, Simpson himself and Craig Farrell are all unavailable. Livingstone pulled a hamstring during the reserves 3-0 midweek win over Shrewsbury Town. The big forward had been playing at centre-half, a position he has filled for some years alongside his striking duties. He has not appeared in a Brunton Park fixture since the opening day of the season when he was sent off against York. The Swans are leading the table on 19 points after nine games, a record due mostly to their 100% home record. Away from home, they have won just once in four attempts. They haven't beaten Carlisle in their last five meetings and the Cumbrians won 2-1 at the Vetch Field when the two sides last met in March this year. Picture from News & Star |
