United media officer Andy Hall (AH) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's James Phillips (JP) this afternoon ahead of Carlisle's League One match away to Colchester, Hall first talking about United's need to keep more clean sheets this season:
JP
One of the things that a lot of the fans and we have been talking about in the build-up to this one is United only keeping this one clean sheet, it is something that hasn't necessarily ruined every game, but it is a constant problem, it means they have always got to score at least two goals to win games?
AH
Yeah, nail on the head, if you keep a clean sheet then the maths tell you that you go up the other end you have won the game haven't you. We haven't been doing it enough and you can try to dissect the reasons behind that, whether it is good football, mistakes, individual errors, group problems, whatever.
But, the fact of the matter is that we are working really hard to get to the bottom of it so that we can bring that little bit of, it is not even a blip isn't it, it has become a little bit of expectancy now to concede a goal and you don't want that. Because, confidence comes from keeping clean sheets, it is the best confidence you can get, and then if you can start nicking goals at the other end all of a sudden you find yourself top six or top eight.
JP
One of the undoubtedly players of the year so far for Carlisle United, and the signing of the season thus far as well, Danny Cadamarteri back in today, great news?
AH
Yeah, I don't think there was ever any doubt, it was one of those situations where he has complained about a little bit of tightness, him being the kind of player that he is you don't want to risk anything there. You want to make sure that he is there for the long haul, so the short term solution for that was to let him sit it out for a game.
Fortunately the lads came through and got us a point in his absence, but you are right, for me has been the player of the season so far, and probably by quite a way as well. His performances, his energy, his hold-up play, his link play, everything is there, Danny will probably tell you himself that the only thing he is missing is the regular goals, if he adds that then he is one of those players you might bring in, he is rejuvenated and off he goes again.
JP
Yeah, he certainly is, Sanchez Watt in amongst the goals now just about and in the Colchester line-up I am just seeing down in front of me, a strong target who you guys Carlisle worked very hard on trying to bring to Brunton Park this summer, but one of those that slipped away?
AH
He came close, really close, there were some very good conversations, I know he met Greg (Abbott) a couple of times, I think Greg travelled quite a way to meet him on one of those occasions. Personal reasons, obviously you can't go into what those reasons were, but we had the press release ready, that is how far we had got with Sanchez Watt. So, that is one where you just sort of shrug it off and you move again.
But, when you are in that situation what I will say is that you tend to cool off on the other targets, and then they have moved on as well. So, that was one of those situations where everybody looked at each other when the phone call came and it was like: "What? He is not coming? Right, OK, here we go again", and off we went, and you end up getting players who are as good or better anyway.
JP
Yeah, it all turns out hopefully across the course of the season and a few transfer windows for the club. Greg Abbott didn't want to engage too much with the situation regarding home and away form, I mean I remember as recent as last season it was all about the home form, couldn't pick up anything on the road. It is just so odd how it happens and how teams go through these little ruts, and nobody can ever really explain them?
AH
It is weird isn't it, I mean if you could put your finger on that you would be top of every league ever, you would never lose a game. It is frustrating because the one thing you want to do is put a performance on for those people who are willing to turn up week in and week out. Because, if they go away with smiles on their faces they are going to come back the following week as well.
So, again, it is something that everybody is aware of, but I think I know what Greg is doing, there is a little bit of possibly psychology in there, doesn't want to be talked about in the dressing room, doesn't want to be shown on television in front of his players saying that anything is a problem. Because, as far as he is concerned it is a coincidence and it is a coincidence that hopefully will iron itself out over the course of the next 20-odd home games.
JP
And the trip itself down for everyone, has it been OK, painless enough getting down here?
AH
It was lovely when it started, we had a great training session at Leeds United's Academy, what a facility that is by the way, if only. But, then we got onto the A1 and I don't think I need to say any more.
JP
Oh, we came that way as well, sat nav said no, don't go M6 and come across country, go A1, that is the way to do it, A66 was clogged up, the A1 was clogged up, it took far too many hours, but you get here and you are ready now though?
AH
You do, and it is all about preparation isn't it, you do that side of right, that is why we do it on a Friday, make sure that we have trained up north, all the lads are fresh and ready and whatever happens on the journey thereafter just becomes a mickey-take.