By Jon Colman

Last updated 08:32, Friday, 05 December 2008

Carlisle United chief executive David Allen has insisted that the club are still refusing to rush into a managerial appointment as the waiting game continues for caretaker Greg Abbott.

David Allen

Allen said that the Blues owners were encouraged by much of Abbott’s work since taking temporary charge a month ago.

But the joint owner suggested a decision on the 44-year-old’s long-term future was not yet imminent as the board continue to assess Abbott’s performance in the hot-seat following John Ward’s departure.

And Allen said he and his fellow directors were not ruling out an outside appointment as they weigh up the claims of several “big-name” applicants.

“I can understand Greg, his staff and the players wanting a decision sooner rather than later,” said Allen. “Being in a temporary position isn’t as good for them as a permanent role when it comes to decision-making and planning.

“We don’t like uncertainty at the club either, and we do want to remove it as quickly as we can. But we have to make sure it is the right decision, rather than one we are rushed into or pressured into.”

Abbott, whose 16th-placed side go to Swindon in League One tomorrow (County Ground, 3pm) has steered the Blues to three wins, a draw and two defeats from his six games in charge since Ward’s exit.

The caretaker’s claims on the top job were checked by Wednesday night’s FA Cup second round 2-0 loss to Crewe in front of 2,755 fans – United’s lowest home crowd for more than four years.

Allen, however, said he was impressed by some of the improvements Abbott has made since taking the reins.

“He has made some important changes and not just to do with football – on discipline, on respect, and things like arranging meals to be provided for players in the club,” he said.

“We hadn’t realised how far things like that had slipped. He is motivating the other coaching staff, getting them involved in the decision-making, and people seem to be responding to him.

“Having said that, we have had some really good applicants, which is really reassuring for us.

“There are some big names in there and some of the people who have contacted us are established managers in roles now. They see Carlisle as an attractive proposition.”

Allen would not confirm whether or not an appointment would be made before the January transfer window, adding: “There is no date on it. When we are ready and happy in our minds, we will make that decision.”

Abbott should have Paul Thirlwell and Simon Hackney back for tomorrow’s clash with the 19th-placed Robins, who are also managerless and rumoured to be weighing up Ward’s credentials.

New loan signing Chris Birchall is likely to be in the squad while loan ‘keeper Tim Krul – cup-tied on Wednesday – should return in goal. Ben Williams missed the Crewe game with a virus, meaning Chris Howarth finally made his United debut 18 months after joining the club.

Former Carlisle hero John Gorman, meanwhile, has hinted that he could be tempted back into a front-line job in the English game a year after walking away from management following the death of his wife, Myra.

The 59-year-old, who starred for United in the 1970s, is currently working for Glenn Hoddle’s academy in Spain.

The popular Scot admitted that managing Carlisle is a long-held ambition but said he would not “promote himself” for the job out of respect for Abbott.

“Greg is a young guy who is getting his chance, and the last thing he needs to read now is that John Gorman wants his job,” said Gorman, who describes the personal trauma he suffered after Myra’s death in an exclusive interview today.

Gorman added: “In my heart, I would always have liked a go at Carlisle. The club have always been close to me.

“Several people in England have asked me if I would be interested in coming back and if I said I was willing to go somewhere as an assistant again, I would get a job tomorrow.

“But I know how hard it is being a caretaker and I hate it when people promote themselves for a job at times like that.”