Carlisle vs Exeter City - Keith Curle hopes his transformation of club can bring promotion - 7M sport

Carlisle vs Exeter City - Keith Curle hopes his transformation of club can bring promotion



Posted Saturday, May 13, 2017 by PA

Carlisle manager Keith Curle hopes the winning mentality he has introduced to the club will help his side reach Wembley and earn promotion to Sky Bet League One.

The Cumbrians host Exeter in the first leg of their League Two play-off semi-final on Sunday after an impressive fifth-placed finish to the regular season.

Curle joined the club in September 2014 and led them to 20th place in his first season before going on to steer them to 10th last year.

The former Notts County boss is proud of his achievements at Brunton Park, but insisted his ambitions did not stop at reaching the play-offs.

"I know I talk about this a lot, but I have to go back to where we were when I first came into this club, and it was cut adrift having won just one game in 23," Curle told the club's website.

"There certainly wasn't a winning mentality here and I firmly believe that is isn't always about the team that goes on to the pitch as to why you don't always win games.

"Something else to factor in is that the people here have a border mentality and they are very close knit. I wouldn't say they welcome you with open arms, but if you prove your worth they embrace you. I have to say I feel very much a part of this city and football club now.

"The pleasing thing is that the focus is on the football team. That wasn't always the case when I first got here and that was something which definitely needed to change. People are talking about what the team can produce these days and that's how a football club should be.

"There's been a lot of shift in focus within the walls of Brunton Park. The change in dynamics within the organisation is a massive difference to what I first found here. That helps us to produce the kind of professional environment where players and individuals in all departments can flourish. It's a big thank you from me to everyone for that."

Exeter boss Paul Tisdale is excited at the prospect of reaching Wembley and believes his side have nothing to lose ahead of their trip.

"Since we started the season and have gone through the process of recovering our season, I think we've had the play-offs in mind all the way through and we've achieved it now," Tisdale told www.devonlive.com.

"So we've got to remember that and we've got nothing to lose whatsoever.

"I'm not saying we'll get 10 goals over the two legs. You just don't know and you can't predict these things.

"You've just got to have the wherewithal to adapt and modify your performance during the two legs, react to the situations, and have the physical capability to get through the two games and a potential extra-time in the second leg.

"We're really looking forward to it and it's a great opportunity for everyone."

Carlisle strikers Jabo Ibehre (hamstring) and Jason Kennedy (groin) face late fitness tests, while Mike Jones remains the only absentee.

Exeter pair Craig Woodman and Matt Oakley will rejoin the Grecians' squad after injury. Lee Holmes is also at full fitness after an ankle ligament injury.



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