The return of club legend Paul Simpson to Carlisle United has rescued their season, but he believes Bristol Rovers pose the toughest test of the Cumbrians' revival.
Simpson’s side have mustered five wins in six games since his return to Brunton Park to drag Carlisle clear of the League Two danger zone following the sacking of Keith Millen. The Cumbrians are 13 points clear of the bottom two, all but ensuring their safety, but they have designs on continuing their surge up the table.
However, Simpson believes Joey Barton’s in-form Gas are the most difficult challenge they have faced since his comeback to his hometown club, which he steered to two promotions from 2003-06.
“I think it will be our biggest test,” he told the News & Star. “I think (Rovers) are a good footballing side, a well-organised side, they’ve got good individuals and I’m quite sure somebody with the mentality and experience of Joey Barton will get them properly wound up and ready to play.
“It’s a helluva game. I just wish we were as consistent as them over the 37 games, that’s the only thing. They’re scrapping for the right reasons, we’re scrapping for the wrong reasons, unfortunately.
“But it’s a great game to look forward to. I’ve never come up against Joey Barton, so I’m really looking forward to our team going up against his team.
“I think it’ll be a really good test and it’s a chance for us to test ourselves against one of the best teams in the league, and see whether or not the league table is a reflection of what we are, or whether we maybe should be higher.”
Simpson, who was on the coaching staff under Dean Holden and Nigel at Bristol City last season, was full of praise for Barton ahead of the game. The Gas boss has led a charge into promotion contention in the second half of the season, with Rovers fourth in the standings and level on points with the automatic promotion places ahead of their trip to Cumbria.
“I think they’re just a good all-round side,” added Simpson. “I know Joey works really hard to get a good spirit amongst them, I’m sure they’ve got that.
“They’ve got good individual players, their two wide players are really effective, they play with a really high intensity, they want the ball quickly, they’re quick from free-kicks.
“They’ve got a good, consistent system that they play. I’m glad Joey Barton is on the sideline and can’t affect the game because he had a fantastic career. He seems to be doing a really good job as a manager as well.
“We’ve got to be absolutely switched on and on our ‘A game’ this weekend otherwise we’ll be in for a really tough afternoon.”
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