Chief executive Nigel Clibbens doesn’t think Carlisle United will be forced to cut their budget in January and says they are currently focusing on who they can bring in rather than departure.
Having lost their last four matches without scoring a goal at Brunton Park, Clibbens admits the Blues’ home form - and the potential effect that could have on attendances - is a concern ahead of their game against Yeovil tomorrow (3pm kick-off).
But Clibbens insists Carlisle will not be forced to cut costs, even if their home form doesn’t improve.
Clibbens, though, did say he has already discussed the Blues’ plans for the next transfer window with Sheridan.
He said: “John knew the budget at the start of the season.
“We are looking at where we are for the rest of the season now actually, as he plans for his recruitment. But as we sit here, we are not going to have to cut budgets and things like that. I don’t see that happening.
“David [Holdsworth, director of football] and John are talking about recruitment for the January window and they have been for quite a while.
“Obviously the bigger the attendances, the more cash we have and the more scope there is to do more in that window. At the moment, we are looking at who we might bring in, rather than who might leave.”
United’s squad has been severely stretched in recent games, with striker Richie Bennett and midfielder Jack Sowerby both being forced to play in defence on Tuesday for their 2-2 draw at leaders Lincoln.
Clibbens admits injuries have badly hit the Cumbrians’ squad during what he described as “a bit of a roller-coaster” first quarter of the season.
“I think there is no getting away from the fact, in the 15 league games that we have had so far, injuries have really taken a toll on us,” he said.
“Looking recently, of the team that won three out of the four first league games, only about half of them turned out against Lincoln.
“There is no doubt we have suffered very badly in the first part of the season in losing key players. Gary Liddle, for example, had played nearly every minute that was possible since he joined the club.
“At the same time, we have lost Danny Grainger who has been a key man in terms of assists for us for a long time, too.
“In between that, we have had injuries to nearly three quarters of the squad at various times, and there is no team in this division that could cope with losing six starters, like we have had to, and be the same team or be even better.”
Experienced trio Danny Grainger, Gary Liddle and Jamie Devitt are all back training for United as they prepare to welcome Darren Way’s 14th-placed Glovers, a place and two points behind United, having played a game less.
Sheridan is hoping United follow-up their brave midweek display at Sincil Bank with a similar one against Yeovil.
He said: “We need to pick up at home. We need to get results at home and give a result for supporters, really.”