Fixture list adds an edge, says Abbott

Jun 17 2009 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

CARLISLE boss Greg Abbott believes the publishing of the fixture list adds an “edge” to pre-season planning.

The Cumbrians learn their League One programme this morning, a day after being handed a home tie with Dave Penney’s Oldham Athletic in the first round of the Carling Cup. And Abbott (pictured right), who is hoping to add a clutch of new players to his Carlisle squad before the start of pre-season training next month, believes that knowing their schedule brings the start of the season into clearer focus.

“The pre-season fixtures are one thing but with this, and the League One fixture list, it all becomes a bit clearer,” he said. “Obviously it doesn’t affect the preparation work that we intend to do, because that is in place already, but it definitely adds an edge as things start to build up towards getting the players back in and then, of course, to kick off in August.

“I think the fixture list brings an added excitement for the fans as well, as they start to plan their own season, so it’s fair to say that we have all been looking forward to seeing who we play and when.”

Abbott is also happy to have home advantage in his side’s first League Cup game of the campaign – despite being landed with a tough challenge against Oldham.

“You can’t ask for much more than a home draw in any cup competition, so we have to be pleased we got that.