Can Carlisle United's host of new faces gel in the nick of time?
Mike Williamson is confident the calibre of players Carlisle United have so far signed will be able to gel quickly.
The Blues are in the middle of a January overhaul of their struggling squad.
Carlisle have 22 games to save their EFL status with the Cumbrians currently seven points adrift of safety.
The need for improvement is urgent and head coach Williamson believes the “due diligence” United have done on their new signings will help ensure they hit the ground running soon.
Asked about the challenge of achieving a successful formula as soon as possible, Williamson said: “Well, with the lads we've got here, I know they're a good group. And it's an easy group to come in and fit right in, as the boys who have come in have commented on.
“The other part is if we do our due diligence and we've got it right, good players will come in and play with other good players. And that's the biggest element that's going to make it gel as quick as possible.
“Because when you've got somebody who wants to really kick on, they've got the profile and the experience, they fit straight in.
“We saw [in our last game] against Tranmere, a couple of performances [from players – Elliot Embleton and Callum Whelan] who had had one or two days training with us and went straight in and put a good performance in.
Callum Whelan, right, is eyeing a home debut tis weekend - in United's first game without Jon Mellish, left, since May 2019 (Image: Richard Parkes)
“So that's where, if we get the recruitment right, everything will look after itself.”
Carlisle have made seven signings so far this month with more expected to join.
In line for debuts against Bradford City this weekend are new faces such as Paul Dummett, Sean Fusire, Stephen Wearne and Will Patching, with Cedwyn Scott anticipating a second Carlisle debut and both Embleton and Whelan eyeing home debuts.
The game, meanwhile, will be the first Carlisle fixture since May 2019 that does not involve Jon Mellish. The defender will be preparing for his Wigan Athletic debut at Stevenage following his move to the League One club.
