Carlisle-born Simpson took charge of his first match on Saturday and guided the Cumbrians to their first point of the season, with a 0-0 draw at home to Cambridge. Now the 37-year-old midfielder takes his side to Darlington on Saturday knowing he will get an extended period in charge. The match at the new Reynolds Arena will be a crucial early-season clash as both sides occupy the bottom two places in the Football League. Defeat would leave United at least 3 points adrift at the bottom. There had been speculation that a bigger name was being lined up to take over the reins but it seems that Simpson, as the man in possession, will be favourite to make the role permanent assuming he can improve on the current league position. "All I have been told is that the job is mine for the next month or two to show what I can do. They want someone who can steady the ship and they think I can do a job. It is always the same in football if you are a manager or a caretaker manager - if you get the results then fine, otherwise your job is on the line, " said Simpson. "If the results don't go right then a decision on a new manager will be made as soon as possible. At the moment I'm just going to get on with the job to the best of my ability. I've spoken to the players and said I've got the job for the next month, possibly two months and it's up to me to show I can do it." Simpson faces competition from a host of well-known candidates, headed by ex-United legend Mick Wadsworth, who led the Cumbrians to the Championship of the Third Division in 1995. Also in the frame are believed to be ex-Stoke and Cheltenham boss Steve Cotterill, former Liverpool hero Jan Molby and ex-Villa, Leicester and Darlington supremo Brian Little. Ian Atkins, who left Brunton Park in the summer of 2001, is understood to be interested in the position, despite his current status as manager of high-flying Oxford United. The Bulls just missed out on the playoffs last season and are currently lying 3rd after five games. Picture from News & Star |
