by Amanda Little

Last updated at 15:48, Thursday, 06 August 2009

Carlisle United legends George McVitie, Billy Rafferty and Hughie McIlmoyle give their views on the big issues affecting Carlisle United before the start of the new season.

• Video: Watch the full interview

Are you approaching the new season feeling optimistic about Carlisle United’s prospects or are you fearing another season of struggle?

McVitie: You’ve got to be optimistic. There is a clean slate now and we’ve got to forget about last season.I, like Greg Abbott, would have preferred to have seen a striker in before the start of the season.

Rafferty: Everyone is concerned that they haven’t brought a recognised striker in, but I think Greg Abbott and his staff will be optimistic because they have had a few weeks during pre-season to work on the pattern of the team. Taking over as manager midway through the season was difficult for him to change things drastically but now he has had the chance to mould the team to how he wants to play.

McIlmoyle: As a fan, you have got to be optimistic. It’s no good being down in the dumps before the season starts. Last season they finished just above the relegation zone but they were far better than the table showed.

How big a worry is it that Carlisle’s hopes of signing a new striker in time for the big kick off against Brentford on Saturday appear to be fading fast?

McIlmoyle: It is a big worry because when Danny Graham stopped scoring last season there was no one else to take responsibility for goals.I would like to see them get maybe an experienced 32-year-old who can put the ball in the back of the net when the cross comes over. Good strikers don’t grow on trees but hopefully there’s one out there.If they can’t get a striker, this is a good opportunity for Scott Dobie, although I don’t see him as an out-and-out striker.

McVitie: The experienced players didn’t seem to have any confidence last season so it would be great if they could get some early goals to give them a boost.It would be great if a new striker could be brought in, but if not I would like to see Gary Madine get a chance.

Rafferty: They need someone to hold the ball up and bring other players into play so the midfield can get up to support the strikers.We want someone dynamic who can make things happen but, as Hughie said, strikers don’t grow on trees. At this stage of pre-season I don’t know what’s left to choose from, but with Greg’s contacts in the game he might be able to find a young player on the fringes of the first team at a Premiership or Championship club.

Do you think Carlisle fans’ expectations are too high in the current financial climate which means Greg Abbott is having to operate with a much tighter budget and reduced first-team squad?

McVitie: I feel for the fans but I feel for Greg Abbott. The whole game is in turmoil for small clubs.It’s no good blaming Greg Abbott, I’m sure he would love to go out and offer ridiculous money but he has a budget he is tied to.I would be happy with consolidation and keeping the house in order. It used to be a shock when a club went into administration but now you’re waiting for it to happen to the next one.

McIlmoyle: Fans have every right to expect something from the club because they go down every other Saturday and will be hoping to see them win the game.The way football is at the moment, all small clubs are feeling the pinch. I would rather see Carlisle struggle a bit in the league than have two good seasons, spend a lot of money and then plummet. I would rather see stability.

Rafferty: Greg says they are looking to improve on last season so he realises on the funds he has available they won’t be pushing for promotion.With the way things are, if they could be in mid-table it wouldn’t be a bad season. People are always optimistic and I think if they can get the team organised defensively and get a good base we won’t have a bad season.

League Two champions Brentford are first up on Saturday. How important is it to get off to a good start to the season?

Rafferty: A good start is important. Brentford aren’t that experienced. I looked at their list of players and if I had to choose between their squad and Carlisle’s, I’d pick Carlisle’s.I think Brentford will be tentative to begin with having just been promoted, and it is important we make sure they don’t get a foothold on the game and don’t give them time to settle.

McIlmoyle: Saturday’s result is very important, but it will be difficult because Brentford will be on a high for the first few games.It would be good if the strikers could get a goal on Saturday because it will set them up for the season.

McVitie: Getting off to a good start is vitally important but when you face a newly-promoted team they will be on a high because of the new challenge.The first six games can set the pattern. If you can get some good results, you’re looking down at everyone but if you set off badly you’re under pressure from the start.

There’s been a mixed bag of results and performances during pre-season with indifferent performances against Middlesbrough and Blackpool and some promising signs against Hull City and Bradford City. Should fans read much into pre-season friendlies or are they irrelevant when the season kicks off?

McIlmoyle: Pre-season is all about fitness and creating team spirit. If you have team spirit, you have everything and you can build on that solid foundation.That was missing last season but hopefully this season Greg will sort it out.

McVitie: You do running and training during pre-season but until the season gets underway you don’t get proper match fitness.The main concern for me from Saturday’s 3-3 draw at Bradford was the goals they conceded, but I don’t put too much emphasis on pre-season results.

Rafferty: I don’t think people should read too much into pre-season. It’s the time when the manager can experiment with different team shapes, different systems and try players in different positions.I wouldn’t worry too much about results and I’m sure Greg will have got out of pre-season what he wanted.The only concern is that they were a bit leaky at the back against Bradford.

Leeds United are the overwhelming favourites to win League One, but are the bookies justified and who else do you expect to be in the shake-up?

McVitie: Being a betting man, I’ve backed Norwich City at 7/1. They have assembled a good squad and made some very good signings. Leeds will be up there but it’s definitely Norwich for me.

Rafferty: League One is going to be like the Premier League next season in that there will be four or five teams up there and then the rest of the pack.Southampton, Leeds, Norwich, Charlton and Millwall will all be up there.

McIlmoyle: I’m going for Leeds because I think they have the back-up and the crowds.They’ve had a couple of seasons in League One and have just missed out and they will be more determined. Mind you, I didn’t think Leicester would win the title next season but I was proved wrong.

What would be a successful season for Carlisle United?

Rafferty: If we can consolidate, get into mid-table and blood a few of the younger players like Gary Madine when there is no pressure on the team that would be a successful season.If they can bring young players through and let them fulfil their potential that would be great.

McIlmoyle: I think being in the top half of the table would be a success. I don’t think they will reach the play-offs, but I think they will hold their own in the top half.

McVitie: If we finish midway in League One I would be quite happy with that. If they can consolidate their place in League One for the next season or two that would be good.As long as we progress I will be happy. You have to keep things in perspective when you have teams like Norwich and Leeds in the division.

First published at 11:28, Thursday, 06 August 2009
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk