Abbott's side are unbeaten in their opening six games in League One

Carlisle United manager Greg Abbott has revealed that he has already started his planning for next season.

Abbott, whose side have played six League One games this season, will submit a list of potential transfer targets to club directors this week.

"There's about 100 names on it which will get dissected and then we'll work down," Abbott told BBC Radio Cumbria.

"That's how early we do our planning - football teams and squads aren't put together overnight, they take time."

Abbott continued: "Hopefully by January or February of next year that list will be down to a manageable number to go out and make last opinions to see which is the right type of player to bring in to improve us again next year."

We're getting near to where we want to be but we still think we're a bit short Greg Abbott

Carlisle have made an unbeaten start to their new League One campaign and lie second in the table following last weekend's 1-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday.

"Fans want instant success but it can never happen," Abbott said. "You've got to look at the broader picture and the longer term view.

"We're getting near to where we want to be but we still think we're a bit short.

"But we're working as hard as we can to maintain the progress and maintain the depth of quality in the squad that can carry an injury or a bad performance," he added.

The Cumbrians' boss made six permanent additions to his squad during the summer with only midfielder James Berrett costing a fee after his move from League One rivals Huddersfield Town.

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