United boss Greg Abbott (GA) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) at today's press conference for the local media, Abbott first talking about Carlisle's lack of goals from their strikers at the moment :
GA
You are trying to find a balance, what I can't do is every day I will come into work the three strikers think I am trying to find somebody to replace them, it would put them under immense pressure. But, what I have got to say to the fans is that if I find somebody around and out there that is going to be better than what I have got then I am constantly looking to do that, so the work is ongoing.
What I don't need to do probably is remind the three strikers every day of their working life, leading up to their game on Saturday, that if they don't produce or they don't perform that they are going to be out. Because, the pressure that that puts them under is probably a bit unfair, but they know the make up of the game and they know the industry so without me talking about it too much I have got a job to do, the players have got a job to do and we have all got to do it correctly and get it right and find a balance of what we do with it and where we go with it.
But, the players know that the strikers must eventually score goals because that is their key job, if we were conceding four and five at the other end then people would be talking about us needing more defenders. But, the case is that the problems are at the top end and the strikers know that and as best I can without putting them under pressure that affects their game they need to know the situation and how important it is for them to start scoring.
JP
You are already looking perhaps at extending the loan of the young right-back from Newcastle (James Tavernier)?
GA
Erm, yeah, for sure, it was one of those where they said to just go for a month and see how he fits in with us and we fit in with them. I have spoken to their people, they are happy, I spoke to John Carver the assistant who I know quite well to keep him in the loop.
James has got a big smile on his face, he is playing football, he is developing his game, it is adding a bit more real game-time to his development. So, I think the situation is OK with him at the minute but I will have to ask Newcastle the question in the next week or so with their thoughts on maybe him staying a bit longer. He has certainly done for me very, very well in his two games he has been here.
JP
I haven't spoken to you since the move for Ben Marshall to Sheffield Wednesday, mixed feelings on that one for you?
GA
Yeah, I mean on a personal note for Ben I hope he does really well. He did very well for me, very well for us, I enjoyed working with him and he certainly developed his game. We have given him a platform, how will he do at Sheffield Wednesday? They have got some awfully good players at Sheffield Wednesday that seem to be finding life a little bit difficult at this level, but that is probably where the Leeds syndrome was for a couple of seasons. But, I am sure they will get it right eventually, they have got some powerful players, it is a big club with an unbelievable fanbase and I am a bit envious that they have got Ben Marshall.
JP
Have you had a quick word with him to make sure he has a stinker against you?
GA
Erm, no, because I wouldn't think that would work with Ben, I might have one of the players have a word with him. But, no listen, I wish him all the best, he contributed a massive amount to us when he was here, we take it badly that he has gone somewhere else but we have to take it with a bit of dignity and a bit of respect, and listen, on a personal note I hope he does very well.
JP
Without focusing on any particular area because I know that there is that pressure on the strikers, are there any plans? Do you feel that you need one or two more before the transfer window changes or are you relatively happy with where you are, loans aside, to cover injuries?
GA
Yeah, you are right, loans aside if that happens and we are out of the window then we have to do that. But, I think we would like to maybe do one more if we could on a permanent or a season-long loan, one that we know we have got for a good period of time. Always trying to improve things, the difficulty is getting somebody in there that is available, that is at the right money that we can get that everybody else doesn't want.
That is the difficulty, listen, in real terms we have to wait until the Sheffield Uniteds and the Huddersfields and the Sheffield Wednesdays have done their work and see what is left floating about. Because, they generally pay quite a bit more than us, it gives them a real head start in terms of attracting players, but we are in there fighting and the answer to your question is I think another one in on a permanent would be great.
JP
You know my next question now, anything imminent on that? Anything in the pipelines?
GA
Erm, I thought there might be and I might as well tell you, listen I have met a player personally this week face to face, I am not going to give anything more to you there, I think I have been as good as gold telling you that. Out of respect to him and his club and our club and the position of he is that I have met somebody this week, talks were OK, there is a little bit of work to be done but if it can be done then we will try to do something. So, we were actively pursuing another player.