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Carlisle United boss on 'doubts' and response to postponement
Mike Williamson says he is assessing “one or two doubts” ahead of Carlisle United’s home clash with Chesterfield.
The Blues head coach says certain players with "niggles" will continue to be monitored in the build-up to Saturday’s clash with the Spireites at Brunton Park.
While Williamson’s squad has been boosted in recent weeks by the return of a number of players, judgement will be made on some players’ fitness later this week.
“Potentially there might be one or two doubts,” he told the News & Star.
“We’ve had a good training week, but we're just assessing at the minute.
“I can't really shed any light on it [in terms of individuals], other than we'll just have to wait until Friday and see where we're at.”
Williamson did say that United’s enforced break last weekend, when their trip to Newport County was postponed amid Storm Darragh, had enabled some returning players to step up their fitness.
That includes Harrison Biggins, the midfielder who is available after a calf injury, and those who recently returned to action such as Jordan Jones and Georgie Kelly.
Williamson says he used last Saturday’s postponement to give players some “downtime” over the weekend before resuming training this week.
He said that was an important move ahead of the busy winter fixture list ahead, starting with the visit of the ninth-placed Spireites.
Williamson says the enforced break has given the likes of Jordan Jones, pictured, more time to build up fitness after recently returning from injury (Image: Ben Holmes)
“Everyone knew the situation [with the storm] and you're just hopeful, but you can't do anything about it,” the Blues boss said.
“You have to prepare like it's 100 per cent going to be on – and then, [once it is off], the adjustments are that we just have to turn our minds onto Chesterfield instantly.
“The lads got a little bit of downtime, which is really beneficial, especially with the period we're about to go into.
“The lads who've come back from injuries have really benefited from it, which is good. It also gives us more training and contact time, which is beneficial.
“Everyone likes to be in rhythm and flow, and having that postponement so late [can affect that], but that’s just life.
“The lads have responded well, been able to spend a bit of time with their families and then come in Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and work their socks off.”
Williamson also has Jon Mellish back from suspension for Saturday’s game.
“He’s trained well,” said the Blues boss. “So we've got a very fit, very healthy squad.
“Lads have got to make sure that they're the very best version of themselves and give themselves every opportunity to play in games.”
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