And, although they flirted with relegation last season, Ruddock has helped the Warriors get off to a sound start this time round to stand in the top half of the table with two home wins from their first four Guinness Premiership games.

BBC: Ruddock extends Warriors contract

Carlisle's current run of three straight wins (scoring 10 goals in the process) has lifted Abbott's side into the top half of the League One table, as well as earning an FA Cup third round tie at Everton on 2 January.

BBC: Dennis Booth