Cassidy managed Workington from 2001-2007

Former Northern Ireland international Tommy Cassidy has praised the work of Carlisle boss Greg Abbott this season.

Cassidy, who works as a pundit and match summariser on BBC Radio Cumbria, believes supporters should now get behind the manager.

"Some fans said to me earlier in the season that he should go by Christmas," he said. "I argued against that."

"He's now doing a very good job at getting results and supporters should be getting behind him."

Abbott had faced calls for his dismissal from some sections of the Carlisle support after a disappointing start to the season.

The mixture on the pitch of age and experience is looking good Tommy Cassidy

However, an improved run of results, including Tuesday night's 2-1 Johnstone's Paint Trophy Northern Area Final first leg win at Leeds, has impressed Cassidy.

"Greg has managed to turn things around," he said. "The players will be buzzing at the moment and confidence will be high."

"They are still inconsistent at times, as we saw in the Brentford defeat, but the mixture on the pitch of age and experience is looking good."

Cassidy, whose playing career saw him play in the top flight for Newcastle United and appear in the 1982 World Cup finals with Northern Ireland, believes Abbott still needs to add a striker to his squad.

"They need to replace Vincent Peircard," said the former Workington manager. "They need a big centre forward to give them alternatives to go on to better things.

"Scott Dobie and Joe Anyinsah have their own qualities but you don't need to be a genius to see that the team are crying out for a big striker with a bit of experience and a physical presence."

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