Ward is looking for two more additions to his squad

Carlisle United manager John Ward has told the club's fans he will do all he can to improve his squad ahead of the new season.

Ward was responding to concern amongst supporters at speculation linking striker Joe Garner with a move to Nottingham Forest this week.

"I'm still looking to bring other faces in," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"I will try very hard. I've made a number of phone calls this week and now we'll see what happens."

Forest will step up their attempts to sign Garner after manager Colin Calderwood made public his wish to take the 19-year-old to the City Ground.

Ward has already revealed he is looking to strengthen his options up front.

"We've already brought two excellent young players in to the club in Ben Williams and Josh Gowling but I would like to add another two if possible," Ward said.

I'll be happy when we get into August when the real football starts and that can occupy people's minds John Ward

Garner's impending departure would follow goalkeeper Keiren Westwood's move to Coventry City last month in a deal that could net the Cumbrians up to �750,000.

However, supporters have expressed concern over what many see as the dismantling of last season's team. Carlisle finished fourth in League One before losing to Leeds United in the play-offs.

"I can understand [that] but only last week fans were asking me where the new players were so things move quickly in football," Ward said.

"I'll be happy when we get into August when the real football starts and that can occupy people's minds."