Keith Curle says his trusted backroom staff at Carlisle United have agreed new deals to remain with the club.

The manager says Colin West, Lee Dykes and Simon Tracey are poised to seal their futures at Brunton Park after several weeks of talks.

Curle said contracts have been agreed "in principle" with the three coaches.

The Blues boss, himself under contract to 2018, says the deals will be crucial to United's bid to mount a promotion push next season.

"We have had the final discussions, and final contracts are there to be drafted, but they have been agreed in principle by all parties," Curle said.

"I make no apologies on behalf of the club for how long it's taken - not too dissimilar to my contract.

"These staff members are professionals, and things have to be right and put down in black and white to protect themselves and also protect the club.

"We've got good staff at this club. The staff that have been brought in - Lee, Simon, Colin - are very professional, have a good eye for talent and they care about their job and the club."

Curle said the trusted trio - assistant manager West, goalkeeping coach Tracey and coach/recruitment boss Dykes - are far from "yes men".

Asked if their new terms were in line with his own contract length, Curle added: "Yes - it's part of the continuity we're trying to bring to the club.

"I brought them in as my staff but not one of them is a yes man.

"I always ask and value their opinion. We do have some arguments - but I always win."

Curle suggested that certain roles among his backroom staff could change next season.

The United boss said he is keen to ensure the club is scouting more games.

Head of recruitment Dykes has been more involved in the coaching side recently, and is also in the dugout with Curle on Saturday afternoons.

Curle added: "I'm aware of the fact that, as a group of staff, we do see games, but not enough games still.

"I want to make sure as a club we're covering them. We've got to see thousands of players this year to gain more knowledge of what's out there.

"We are handily based now - Colin is based down south, Lee in Hull, Simon in Yorkshire, I'm in Carlisle and Manchester.

"Within that, I don't need three or four people coaching.

"I'm a qualified coach. Sometimes it's nice to know I can do the coaching knowing they're out watching games. Then, when I need to watch players two or three times before making a final decision, it's nice to know that, when I'm on the motorway, the club is left in good hands."