Paul Simpson has urged Carlisle United fans to be “positive” when Stevenage visit – and not to get sidetracked by the Steve Evans factor.

Manager Simpson says he does not want supporters to be involved in any “stupid stuff” concerning the away team’s boss and coaches.

Evans and assistant Paul Raynor  - once branded 'the ugly sisters' by one of Simpson's predecessors Keith Curle - are notoriously vocal figures on the touchline.

They will face the Blues – and the Paddock – in this Saturday’s top-three showdown at Brunton Park.

Blues boss Simpson hopes the focus is in all the right places in the big League Two clash.

“We know it’s going to be tough,” he said.

“Carlisle United have got a little bit of history with Stevenage, so it’s a great game.

“All I can ask is that the fans come and support us, don’t get involved in any stupid stuff, don’t worry about what’s going on in the technical area.

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“Let’s really focus on us and keep the place together.”

United’s and Stevenage’s “history” goes back to the Conference season when Simpson’s side lost twice to Boro during the season – but then memorably beat Graham Westley’s side in the play-off final.

Last season, meanwhile, Simpson claimed Evans was left aggrieved at some of the flak he came in for from the Paddock during United’s 2-1 victory.

“Steve wanted to fight me going up the tunnel because of things the fans were doing to him,” Simpson said last November. “I had to step in and have a go at our own fans for what they were doing.”

News and Star: Simpson and Evans embrace before United's game at Stevenage last AugustSimpson and Evans embrace before United's game at Stevenage last August

This weekend’s game requires little build-up with the opportunity to make a major statement in the promotion race on offer.

Simpson has repeated the call for big numbers in the stands to back his side.

“The supporters have been brilliant since last February [when I came back to the club], and let’s have a big push for the remaining weeks,” he said.

“Let’s stick together and enjoy it. Let’s not be negative, let’s keep a real positive mindset and hope we can be celebrating something together.

“We’ve got to embrace it. I keep saying we’ve got to enjoy the feeling. You saw the way the players were at the end at Swindon, the way the supporters were – let’s get that feeling at home as well, let’s keep that run going.

“It’s the first of 11 really big games and we can do ourselves a massive favour, if we prepare right.”