Carlisle United chasing 'three to five' more signings says Clarkson
Carlisle United could take their tally of new signings to double figures before the end of January.
That’s according to sporting director Rob Clarkson, who said the Blues are in the market for “three to five” more new faces.
And it appears that attacking signings are very much the focus.
United have already brought in five signings in the first week of the transfer window.
Speaking at Tuesday night’s fans’ forum, Clarkson confirmed that Carlisle’s recruitment drive this month was far from over.
Asked about further additions to the squad, he said: “I can’t put an exact number on it but we are pushing ahead with certainly three to five more, it would be fair to say.
“We’re trying, and we’ve had lots of meetings in the last couple of days to try and push ahead.
“A key focus is we have got injuries at the top end of the pitch, so we know that we need to provide some support for Luke [Armstrong] in that No9 position.
“Cedwyn [Scott] will help – he’s a goalscorer, a good finisher, that’s a plus point.
“We know we need more pace and athleticism in wide areas of the pitch which will help stretch the back line, which Mike [Williamson] has alluded to, and create more chances.
“We’re aware of where we need to strengthen. We also have to be aware of anything [else] that comes our way in terms of if there’s an opportunity to improve us in any position, we’ll certainly look at it.”
Clarkson also conceded that United currently have too many players on the books and there would also need to be outgoing movement at Brunton Park.
“We know that there are too many players currently in the dressing room,” he said.
“People know we have to bring [more] quality in. As part of that, we have to be very honest with players and have open and honest conversations with players.
“If it’s going to be better for them to move elsewhere and play football somewhere else, we have to facilitate it as best we can.
“There is a plan in place to bring in more quality and, with that, players are naturally not going to want to stay if they’re not involved.”
Head coach Williamson recently said there had been “interest” in some of his squad but that was not elaborated on at the forum.
On Tuesday afternoon Sheffield Wednesday loan midfielder Sean Fusire became the fifth signing of the month, following striker Cedwyn Scott and midfielders Will Patching, Elliot Embleton and Callum Whelan.
United have been linked with a number of other players, with speculation about interest in the former West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield Wednesday wide man Adam Reach and Altrincham striker Regan Linney.
You can read a full recap of the fans' forum as it happened HERE
