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Carlisle United manager Paul Simpson believes that the club is now a more attractive option for potential new players.

Investment in the playing budget and the infrastructure from the Piatak family, the club's American owners, is starting to reap its rewards.

Now Simpson will attempt to gel his new-look squad into challenging for promotion from League Two.

"There are a lot of positive things going on," he said. "We're building a squad we want to be successful with and that's what you want as a footballer."

Carlisle's northerly location, not far from the Scottish border, has often been a deterrent to bringing in players.

This summer new acquisitions have come from clubs in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as London and the south as Carlisle rebuild following relegation last season when they finished bottom of League One.

Money has been spent by the Piataks to improve club-owned accommodation in the area and there are well-publicised plans for a new training ground and improvements to Brunton Park.

Simpson hopes that this hard work in improving all aspects of the club will pay dividends over the course of the season, as they begin their campaign at Gillingham on Saturday (15:00 BST).

"In the past, we've had two issues - location and finances," he told ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio Cumbria.

"I always say we can't move Carlisle any further south. It is where it is.

"It's a wonderful place to live and players see that when they come up, but it is a challenge.

"But we've got players who've come up from London and down south, so they're happy to come if they believe the project's the right thing for them."

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