Carlisle to discuss Abbott future

Abbott has spent seven months in charge at Brunton Park

The board of League One side Carlisle United are to meet to discuss the future of manager Greg Abbott.

United's 2-0 win against Millwall on Sunday coupled with Northampton's 3-0 defeat to Leeds meant that United avoided relegation by just one point.

Chief executive David Allen told BBC Radio Cumbria: "Nobody can say with 100% certainty that Greg is going to be here in two months time.

"Any manager who produces the results Greg has should be under scrutiny."

Abbott was appointed manager at Brunton Park in October following the departure of John Ward.

I am pleased that we have dug deep in terms of the grumbles, the criticisms and the things labelled at us

Greg Abbott

Ward has presided over a run of results that saw United suffer nine defeats in ten games, but Abbott was unable to significantly improve the team's fortunes and has faced strong criticism in recent weeks.

"We are going to look at everything we have got in the club from top to bottom - which includes Greg," Allen added.

"All the factors are weighted in his favour, but we are not frightened to make a decision."

However despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Abbot said he is already planning for next season.

"I don't think that we are a million miles off being a good side," he told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"We have to come back bigger, fitter, stronger, braver and with more quality."

"I don't want to be in this situation ever again in my life. I have learned lessons and looked at things and seen things take shape that I don't like, but we will rectify those things and put them right."

Abbott also believes that his side's dramatic final day escape from relegation was the perfect response to his critics.

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"I am pleased that we have dug deep in terms of the grumbles, the criticisms and the things labelled at us," said the United boss.

"I know that we will have doubters and criticisms, that happens at every football club and every manager gets it.

"I have taken the criticisms right on my shoulders and I am really, really pleased for the people that run this football club."

The club have given no indication as to when a final decision on Abbott's future will be made but the former Bradford City defender is hopeful that he will still be in charge at the beginning of next season.

"Things have been tough but I want to be sitting here next season talking about the strides that we have made in progress," said Abbott.

"I have got to look forward with optimism. I am a really emotional, passionate guy with a lot of drive and determination.

"That has got to spread through to the players. I am proud of every one of them."