Carlisle United manager targeting new keeper this summer

The Blues boss wants a third keeper to compete with Harry Lewis and Gabe Breeze at Brunton Park.

Lewis, who joined from Bradford City last January, ended the campaign as United’s No1 with young Cumbrian Breeze, who made four starts in the winter, as understudy.

Simpson wants to bolster that department for 2024/25 and he said: “I want somebody who is in between Harry and Gabe in terms of experience and age.

“I've got an ideal scenario. I had an ideal scenario last year – we had a Premier League goalkeeper coming in on a loan, it was done and dusted, and then all of a sudden it got thrown in that he hadn't agreed a new deal, so he wasn't allowed to come out.

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“We had other goalkeepers that we had lined up and it didn't happen, so I have an ideal scenario of who I would like to come in to make the goalkeeping department stronger, because I do think you need to have three.

“Although the goalkeeping situation is a bit slacker in that you can have an emergency loan if you need, but I'd like to get a strong goalkeeping department.”

Simpson believes there is an excellent goalkeeper in Harry Lewis, left, despite a tough spell so far with United (Image: Richard Parkes)

Simpson, who has released previous No1 Tomas Holy, says he has explained to Lewis and Breeze his intention to add another keeper for the return to League Two.

He has also challenged 20-year-old Breeze to continue the physical work he has been undertaking in order to maximise his first-team chances.

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“Gabe has worked incredibly hard with our strength and conditioning department to try and get himself in a really strong, physical state,” said Simpson of the Penrith prospect.

“His challenge to keep doing that work. There have already been huge improvements in him.

“He’s got to come back [in pre-season] and show he deserves to be considered or a first-team role – just like if we can get a third goalkeeper who will be challenging.”

Lewis struggled to stem the goals in the second half of the season as United slid to relegation, but Simpson believes the ex-Bantam is capable of proving himself a top keeper with the Blues.

“I fully expect Harry to come back in a different state of mind,” he said.

“It’s been a tough six months for Harry, but there is a very, very good goalkeeper there.

“We probably haven’t protected him enough as a team but I honestly think if get a good strong goalkeeping department, led by a new goalkeeping coach, I expect us to be stronger.”

United are currently assessing applicants for the keeper coach position following Dave Timmins’ departure. He has returned to his previous club Ayr United.