United boss Greg Abbott (GA) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) following Carlisle's 2-1 League One defeat away to Oldham, Abbott saying that despite the Blues failing to get into the play-offs this season there is plenty of optimism going forward:
JP
The season ends outside the play-offs, but how proud are you of it in the end?
GA
Yeah, we are extremely proud that we keep making progress. We know the obstacles that are staring us in the face and we have to work round day in and day out. But, we have come to 46 games with something to play for and we probably just ran out of bodies a little bit today. We have to have our powerful players on the pitch and we play a certain way and I think it suits us, it has done through the season. But, for effort and determination and making the most of all the resources you have got I don't think anybody could label too much at us to say we haven't made a good fist of this season.
Whilst we are a bit disappointed today I think we look at the big picture and we have to take a lot going forward, and literally have a nice break now because everybody deserves it, and recharge the batteries. I mean that because I am on my backside at the moment with the work that we have all put in, so I am sure everybody else is, and then we go again next season. It is absolutely as simple as that.
JP
In terms of the day today I guess that that fight for sixth place was probably lost before today wasn't it, and deflation maybe just starting to creep into the players?
GA
Well, I wouldn't say deflation, I think it probably was lost before today, I would go with that one, and the run of the three games we had when we think we could have had a few points and we didn't get any probably knocked the stuffing out of us. I think the key was, and listen, there are always excuses, there are always reasons why you didn't do it, and I think Lee (Miller's) injury was a............... You see today that we miss his presence, we miss his height, we miss his ability to get us high up the pitch. We have tried all sorts of things to try to get over that, and maybe it is something we have to look at.
But, we are not in a position where we can carry two 6'2 strikers with the resources. You go to other clubs and you see Chris O'Grady and Ryan Lowe and Clinton Morrison all sat in the stand, not even on the bench, then you are slightly envious as a manager. But, they are reasons, but we have to try to do something about that in the summer and work the squad where we can cope with the injuries to key players at certain times. That is maybe the big message for me next season.
JP
Can you look back now and wish congratulations to Stevenage? Can you do that at this stage or is it a bit raw for you at the moment?
GA
Really raw to be honest, but I wish them all the best, they have had an unbelievable fist of it, if we think we have done well, they have come up from the league below and probably similar resources and done it. So, absolutely fair play to them, I wish it was us, I am a jealous and a bitter man but I have got some dignity and I wish them all the best. I think they have got a tough ask now in the play-offs, but anything can happen and things always do. So, good luck to everybody that is in the play-offs, I know how hard they have done and how well they must have set their season out because I know how hard we have worked. So, good luck to everybody.
JP
I know it will take you a bit of time to get over your disappointment, but how proud is it possible for you to be right now for the season? You wanted top ten, you have got eight, it has been a great effort from your team?
GA
Yeah, I don't know if proud............ Yeah, of course we are pleased with the work and the progress we are making. I am massively ambitious and massively hungry to take this club further and myself further, and get some success. Looking at the two cup runs, looking at the league run this season. there is relative success there. I will not be happy until I have got the team right in the top bit, but I need some help, I need some........... We need some help from everywhere, we talk to the fans, the fans were unbelievable again today. But, we will keep going.
JP
1,700-odd of those fans in here, you hate these days don't you where we are here whilst someone else is having their pleasure and their success?
GA
Well, I am a dignified person but I am pretty humble as well. I am upset we are not there and I don't like to see people celebrating unless it is myself. I am pretty good at celebrating but I am a miserable sort of person if it is not me. So, I can't bear to hear this rubbish behind me.
JP
Good save by the way there, I thought you were going to say something you shouldn't have done?
GA
Never, never, we are getting on too well at the moment for me to do that.
JP
What about those fans though? 1,700, if we could get a representation of that at home week in and week out next season that could be the big catalyst?
GA
Listen, I think a lot of things have been won over this season and I think the fans at last are buying into what we are doing and they are coming up in numbers. They show that same belief and that optimism that we all are at the football club. Without them we aren't a club, I will tell you now, without them we are not a club, whoever is in charge of this football club.
JP
How important is the next few weeks for you now in getting the players you need to keep signed up and then looking for the ones to add?
GA
While everybody else is winding down on Monday morning I will be winding back up again. So, I don't get much of a break. I am going to enjoy the next 36 hours though if you don't mind and then I will start work again for next season.
JP
Don't do it on Monday, have Bank Holiday off as well and do it Tuesday.
GA
We are actually in and I have got eleven meetings on Bank Holiday Monday, so if anybody sees me around Carlisle desperately searching for a pint and somebody to drink it with then they are welcome to it.
JP
Somebody buy the man a drink. Thank you for this season, it has been a great pleasure watching your team.
GA
Top man, appreciate that, cheers.