Carlisle boss aims to keep low profile
Aug 7 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal
CARLISLE United boss Greg Abbott says his team are happy to be off the promotion radar as they prepare to open their League One campaign against fellow dark horses Brentford, writes MARK DOUGLAS.
The Cumbrians have added astutely after an end-of-season clear-out and their form in pre-season has been enough to raise hopes of further progress at Brunton Park this season.
However, with the likes of Southampton, Charlton, Huddersfield and Sheffield Wednesday all heavily tipped to set the promotion pace, Carlisle remain long shots for a top-six place among the bookmakers.
Abbott has few complaints about that and is happy to maintain the club’s low-key approach as they kick off the season at home to a Brentford side not to be taken lightly. He said: “We are happy with where we are, lets put it that way.
“We think we have brought in good players with decent pedigree and our form in pre-season has been good, which has added a bit of confidence as well.
“However, I am not going to make any stupid statements about what we are going to do this season who go and put pressure on the players and the staff to perform. We know what we have to do and it is up to us to go and do it.
“It is another tough season in a competitive league and I can understand why other sides are above us when it comes to promotion favourites.
“We will let the favourites be the favourites and get on with our business. What we want to do is improve on last season and be challenging those kind of sides if we can.” The most exotic new arrival at Brunton Park is the former Ivory Coast under-23 striker Francois Zoko, who has joined after being released by Belgian top-flight side KV Oostende.
Abbott is tempted to throw him straight into the rough and tumble of League One life after two impressive cameos during the pre-season programme.
He added: “He looks like a good player and I have been pleased with what he has done so far. He looks like a player who can make things happen and I am sure the fans will take to him. He is in my thinking as a lot of them are..
Having invested themselves over the summer, Brentford provide a stern challenge for Carlisle.
“They have slipped under the radar a bit, but they have bought well and they will be fancying their chances of getting off to a really good start.
“We want to make a good start because we know how things can flow from their if you win your first few games.”
A dash of perspective was added to proceedings by the players and staff visiting local radio presenter and lifelong Carlisle fan Val Armstrong in hospital yesterday.
She has undergone a double mastectomy and the club wanted to show their support for her.
Abbott said: “It puts things in perspective and I will be using that in the team talk to motivate us tomorrow.
“We all have our health and Val is an inspiration to us for the way she is fighting her illness.
“All the players wanted to do something for her.”
