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" It is a difficult fixture. Carlisle have done exceptionally well this season and they are in a rich vein of form. They are in the top half of the table and they are competing for a play-off place, however every game presents an opportunity for us and we will go there full of confidence because I'm always confident.
" I'll put my trust in the players out there on the pitch and they won't let me down if we fail results wise so long as they remain competitive. We are looking at the bigger picture overall and trying to develop this football club but there is a lot of quality in this division.
" It's difficult to keep the players buoyant and confident when they're performing well and not winning, because ultimately it can be affected because of results. I've got to make sure that I believe in the players and what we're trying to achieve and hopefully we will pick up points.
" We knew that League One would be very difficult and we are still learning about the division and the players and we have to make sure that we have - with this picture we are painting - a degree of realism. Everyone has got to remain resolutely behind the management team and if they do we will be successful. If they don't, then this club could end up back where it was when I took over as manager. "
There is no real team news for Rochdale this evening as they have no injury or suspension problems at all in their squad. As far as former Carlisle playing connections are concerned, there is only one and that is left-back Joe Widdowson. The one-time West Ham defender having spent a short spell on trial at Brunton Park in December 2007.
The referee for this evening's match is Neil Swarbrick from Walton-le-Dale near Preston, and he will be assisted down the lines by Scott Duncan from Newcastle and Stephen Smith from Middleton St George in County Durham. Meanwhile the fourth official is Richard Wigglesworth from Morpeth in Northumberland.