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OPPOSITION VIEW: Carlisle United
CUFC were formed in 1904. Celebrated our centenary last year, by getting relegated! Elected to the Football League in 1928, promoted to Third Division in 1961-62 season, then relegated, then promoted, then promoted again. Spent 10 years in old Second Division before winning promotion to Division One in 1974 under guidance of the late Alan Ashman. Top of the table after 3 games, but then lost form and were eventually relegated. Down to the Third in 1977, followed by 5 years trying to get back before success under Bob Stokoe in 1981-82. Four years in Division 2, before relegation under Stokoe in 1986. Another relegation to Division 4 within a year. Bottom of the entire Football League by 1992, then the Michael Knighton takeover. Two years later reached the play-offs under Mick Wadsworth before winning Division 3 championship a year later. Relegated under Mervyn Day a year later, then another promotion season and victory in the Auto Windscreens Final against Colchester at Wembley. Another relegation after Day was sacked and Knighton replaced him as manager. 1998-99 saw us saved from relegation to Conference on final day by goalkeeper Jimmy Glass. Survived on goal difference a year later, then finished 3rd bottom under Ian Atkins in 2000-01. 17th under Roddy Collins in 2002, then Knighton sold to John Courtenay and 22nd position a season later. Just 5 points from first 21 games last season, our worst ever start. 40 points from last 25 games couldn't save us, and down we went under Paul Simpson. Currently 9th after a bad slump which began before Christmas.
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5,500 approximately. Last 2 gates were just over 3,000
Who is/was your most talented export to leave the club?
Peter Beardsley signed for Vancouver Whitecaps in 1981
Do you have any future stars that could play at a higher level?
Very few at present. Dan Kirkup and Dan Dillon have shown promise. Also Peter Ferris - he could be a factor next season.
Who are your biggest rivals?
Who are your biggest rivals?
This season, take your pick between Scarborough and Morecambe.
Tell us a little about your manager.
Tell us a little about your manager.
Simmo joined as a player at the start of last season and was installed as manager 5 games in. Had a nightmare start with just 1 win in first 17 games in charge. Led a big improvement thereafter. Played over 600 games as a player at all levels of the game. Played for Man City, Oxford, Derby, Wolves, Blackpool and Rochdale before joining his home town club. Currently injured and his playing career could be coming to an end soon.
Was last season a disappointment, sucess or was it as expected?
Was last season a disappointment, sucess or was it as expected?
A disappointment as we got relegated, although we signed some very handy players and attedances were actually up by almost 1,000 over the previous campaign.
What are your strenghts/weaknesses?
What are your strenghts/weaknesses?
Strengths - mostly at the back, where Kevin Gray commands the centre of defence and Tom Cowan (currently injured) has been a rock at left back. Matty Glennon lost a bit of form in goal so Kieren Westwood has come in. Weaknesses - our midfield depth is very thin and Chris Lumsden, our 'playmaker' has lost form but looks to be getting back to near his best in last 2-3 games.
What style of football do you play?
What style of football do you play?
Like to keep the ball on deck and pass it but big Derek Holmes up front (recent signing from Bournemouth) is a target man for longer balls. Pace of Magno Vieira is one of our biggest assets up front.
What are your aims and ambitions for the future?
What are your aims and ambitions for the future?
To get back into the Football League as soon as possible.
What is your "outsiders" view of Stanley?
What is your "outsiders" view of Stanley?
A great old club who may soon get back into the Football League. Seem to be fairly ambitious with a good manager and some decent players.
Who are your tips for success in the Conference next season?
Who are your tips for success in the Conference next season?
Us, if as seems increasingly likely, we don't get promoted. Grays Athletic are going to be coming up and look capable of emulating Crawley's success. York City may well show a big improvement after a tough first season in non-league.
Your prediction for the game...
Your prediction for the game...
1-1, probably
Thanks for answering our questions Al and good luck for the season (after Saturday)!
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