Paul Simpson: Carlisle United manager on his dream return to football after cancer scare
He's taken a struggling Carlisle to potential league 2 promotion in just 1 season.
Last updated 27th Nov 2023
Carlisle United's manager is in dreamland this season.
Less than two years ago Paul 'Simmo' Simpson, whose career includes leading England's Under 21s to world cup glory and spells in charge of Preston and Stockport, was diagnosed with cancer.
A tumour was identified on his kidney in June 2021. This forced the former Manchester City winger to take a temporary step back from management as he looked to recover.
It was a short break though, after he was given the all clear, he rejoined Carlisle as the head coach in February of 2022. Carlisle were struggling, languishing second bottom of the fourth division, staring down the barrel of relegation.
With 15 games remaining though, Simmo managed to save the side from dropping out of the professional leagues, In the process earning himself a three year contract.
Now, a year on from his contract signing, he has the Brunton Park side sitting in fourth place, fighting with Stevenage and Northampton for an automatic promotion spot.
Looking back on the rollercoaster 2 years, he said: "It makes me smile, that's the biggest thing.
"I initially came here to do a job, I came here with real short term aims, no long term goals. We managed to fulfill the short term aim and I'm thankful that I was offered a longer contract to stay.
"We've made huge strides in making us better. That's not just me, that's everybody, the players have been really good, everybody around the club has had new ideas and a freshness about them. I want to carry on making it better.
"I'd much rather be here than where I was in July 2021 when I was sat in hospital.
"I never looked at being a horror story when I got diagnosed with cancer. I dealt with it that, no, this is going to be a good news story. I always felt I wanted to be working, didn't know it was going to be Carlisle, didn't have a clue where it was going to be once I lost my job at Bristol City.
"When I got that phone call though, I jumped at the opportunity."
Now, 12 months on since taking over as permanent manager, some may be worried that Simmo's head may be turned by a bigger club, as his successes at Carlisle begin to turn heads.
He's wanting to put that to rest though: "I think this is mine and Jackie's 27th move in 30 odd years of being married, so I don't think she'd be too chuffed if I suggested we were going to move again.
"I signed a contract here to come here for a minimum of three years. I want to stay here, and I want to be at least three years here, I want the club to want me to stay and then after that I'd love us to be in a position where they want me to stay longer.
"I've had some fantastic experiences in my managerial career... I'm not chasing all of that now, I'm really happy with my life, I'm really happy with my lot."