The EXILE 08 - Newport County AFC v Carlisle United

IS THERE A BETTER WAY TO BUY YOUR NEXT CAR?

Chairman: Gavin Foxall

Directors:

Bob Herrin, Joe Crocker, Kevin Ward, Mark Crook, Mike Everett, Paul Marks, Peter Madigan, Shaun Johnson.

Sporting Director: Darren Kelly

Honorary Club President: David Hando Manager: James Rowberry

Assistant Manager: Carl Serrant

First Team Coach: Jarred Harvey

Goalkeeping Coach: James Hollman

Senior Physiotherapist: Ryan Harrison Analyst: Conor McGaharan

Kit Man: Neil Leek

General Manager: Nigel Stephenson Secretary: Matthew Higgins Damien Broad Ben Wills

Commercial Matthew Owen

Supporter Liaison Linton

Community Norman Parselle

Club Keith Beardmore

JAMES ROWBERRY

Firstly, I was disappointed following Saturday’s result with Barrow and felt as though it was a game that mirrored our issues at times so far this season. The game did still show glimpses of what we are capable of, especially in regard to dominating possession of the ball and territory within the opposition’s half.

Tuesday we then entertained Forest Green Rovers in the Papa Johns Trophy and I felt as though the performance was much better and really reaffirmed my belief that we have the ability, desire and endeavour to achieve what I expect of this team. It was of course disappointing to lose the game, but arguably a few of the decisions on the night incorrectly went against us, but nevertheless, the boys continued battling until the very last minute and that is all I can ask for.

Today will prove to be another competitive game, against a team who have started this season well and like last Saturday, will come here full of confidence and quality. I want to welcome Paul Simpson, the technical staff, directors, players and supporters from Carlisle United and hope they have a safe journey to and from Rodney Parade.

Finally, I want to reiterate my message to you, the supporters. It has hard to explain just how important you are to myself and the team. When you get behind us, you really do drive us on and give the boys and me a huge boost. Hopefully you can pack out Rodney Parade today and really get behind us. When you are behind us, creating the loud intimidating atmosphere that you can do, you can really help make this a tough place to come for opposing teams.

Get behind the boys and enjoy the game.

James

I would like to begin by offering you all a warm welcome back to Rodney Parade for today’s EFL League Two fixture against Carlisle United.

AMBER FROM THE ATTIC

We welcome Carlisle United to Rodney Parade once again this afternoon, so obviously, that gives us a chance once again to flick though an old programme from the past.

We once again re-visit the 1987-88 season, the old club’s last ever in the Football League and the fifty-pence-priced‘ Amberscene’ covers this Bar clays League Division Four clash that was played out on Saturday the 2nd April 1988 between the league’s bottom two clubs that season.

Gary Brook was featured on the cover, but as the cap tion inside points out, he had since been sold following the Cambridge match that is featured, to Scarborough, who had paid us £10,000 for the striker’s services.

We had dispensed with Brian Eastick’s services as manager too, mainly be cause we were so skint we couldn’t afford to pay him!

Long-serving, former player David Williams was in charge for the first time as manager.

He opens his notes on page three by saying he wasn’t going to talk about the club’s financial position, but then mentions the ending of Eastick’s (who to his

credit never perused the club for compensation), his assistant Keith Mincher, and Roger Gibbins’ time at the club and thanks Tony Gilbert, Roger Skyrme and Glyn Jones who were help ing him out because of their “Enthusiasm for the club.”

A somewhat optimistic Dai notes there are still 30 points to play for and men tions the 1977 “Great escape” under Colin Addison and also how under John Relish the club had survived relega tion two seasons previously from the third tier by”

Away wins at places like Notts County, and Gilling ham.” He goes on to add: “If we beat Carlisle today, we can close the gap to eight points with nine games left, anything can happen then.”

Spoiler alert time, we never and it didn’t!

The loyal Williams also gives a nod to the number of young YTS players who had been given opportunities in the first team, in the likes of David Abbruzzese, Norman Parselle and Roy Davies.

Overleaf we have Ray Taylor’s ‘Inside Somerton’ where mention is made of Derby-based County fan, Les Howells completing the “92” where he had seen a match at every league ground and mentions that Duncan Jardine, who has run the Programme Shop here for years, had also recently done the same.

There was also praise for the Wrexham programme that was printed for our recent visit to the Racecourse, but in contrast, there was criticism for the effort the Welsh FA for the programme they had produced for the Wales vs. Yugoslavia match. Keeping within the programme theme, Ray gives notice of the Welsh Programme Fair which was taking place the following day at the Newport Centre. I bet Duncan was there!

Pages six and seven were taken over by our Cumbrian visitors via the expert help of Richard Taylor and a few of their players are still remembered by myself today, in the likes of ‘keeper Tim Carter, who had played one match between the sticks for us on loan from Bristol Rovers (a 0-3 to defeat to Rochdale just before Santa showed his sooty beard) and was now officially a Sunderland player and on loan again; Aiden McCaffery, a former Derby County and Bristol City centre-back, former Sunderland midfielder Gary Rowell, as well as strikers Malcolm Poskett and ArchieStephens. Top scorer was Brett Hetherington on 14 and they were all under the command of boss Clive Middlemass.

The corresponding clash from a Third Division fixture the previous year was a match remembered most for the injury to future Premiership defender, Darren Peacock, who broke his leg in awful fashion in the eighth minute. The match ended in a muted 1-1 draw. The previously mentioned Gibbins got our goal.

In ‘Amber Angle’ there is a look at the players who had come and gone during the season.

We had used - to that point – some 34 players; these included the likes of the excellent Simeon Hodson (now at West Bromwich Albion), Roger Gibbins (who had gone to Torquay), and future Northern Ireland cap Paul Williams, who was by then at Sheffield United. Both Adrian Mann and Lawrence Osbourne were now earning a crust at Wycombe Wanderers, whilst future Welsh cap Paul Bodin had been sold to Swindon Town.

In ‘Look Back in Amber’ our classic 4-1, August 1980 win at Brunton Park was covered and the home side - despite fielding future England, Liverpool and Newcastle United star Peter Beardsley - were no match for a rampant County whose goals were scored by John Aldridge, Karl Elsey, Dave Gwyther and Kevin Moore. Jim Hamilton got the home consolation.

For good measure, we walloped our visitors at Somer

ton Park too by four goals to nil with the on-fire Gwyther notching a double, coupled with strikes from Tommy Tynan and Nigel Vaughan ensuring a long trip home for the Cumbrians.

As stated, this really was a chance to give ourselves some slither of hope of maybe a miracle occurring, playing against the team in 23rd place.

Sadly, by 4:45pm, that eight-point gap was now 11 with United edging us out in a 2-1 victory to pretty much confirm their league status and condemn us to the GM Vauxhall Conference.

Former Portsmouth YTS forward Robbie Taylor scored our goal, one of nine in all for us in 54 league and cup games.

For the record, Carlisle finished 19 points ahead of County but only still that one place higher!

Teams:

County: David Coles, David Abbruzzese, Steve Sherlock, Kevin Hamer, Richard Jones, Steve Tupling, Glynne Millett, Andy Thackeray, Richard Thompson, Robbie Taylor, Ryan Preece.

Subs: Norman Parselle, Simon Morgan.

Carlisle (As printed): Tim Carter, Mark Ogley, Peter Hampton, Nigel Saddington, Billy Wright, Aiden McCaffery, Jonathan Clark, Bobby Hutchinson, Paul Gorman, John Halpin, Brett Hetherington. Subs: Andy Robinson and Jim Robinson. Att: 1,376.

DEPOSIT LIMITS

View From The Boardroom

A warm welcome to all the Directors, Players, and Officials of Carlisle United for this afternoon’s home game in League Two.

Aspecial welcome to John Nixon, Carlisle United Director, who is also the League Two representative. John works tirelessly on behalf of fellow League Two clubs, and we are appreciative of the work he un dertakes. Whilst Carlisle is a long way from us, we have a good relationship with the club and often share ideas and thoughts on various subjects.

In hospitality today we have two special guests from our academy who are soon to depart having been at the club for a number of years. Firstly, Damien Broad who is Academy Manager will leave at the end of the month, and secondly Gerald Skippon who has been a scout for multiple decades has decided it is time for retirement. We wish them all the best for the future and are grateful for their respective contributions.

Focusing on today’s game

Today we welcome to Rodney Parade the teams from Portskewett & Sudbrook Junior FC. Established in 2019 and located in Portskewett, near Caldicot, they are a mini and junior football club playing in the Monmouthshire leagues. As of September 2022, the club now stands at over 164 members which is a massive growth from the 40 members in July 2021 and volunteer coach numbers have also quadrupled. They have expanded their work with the local community and businesses and can as a result keep their annual subs down to an absolute minimum

to ensure there is no barrier to access to football for all. For more info visit www.portandsudfc.co.uk Enjoy your afternoon.

Our Charity of the Day today is Newlife, the Charity for Disabled Children. Supporting Newlife today is Kirstee Jones who will be undertaking a skydive in November so please dig deep and sponsor her or put your pennies, and pounds, in the buckets outside the turnstiles. Every day, Newlife is changing the lives of disabled and terminally ill children across the UK by providing thousands of items of equipment every year. Fast-tracking delivery, to prevent suffering and when time is very precious. Childhood can cers, birth defects, accidents, diseases, and infections can all cause disability. They are affecting children and their families every day. More details on Newlife can be found at www.newlifecharity.co.uk

The ever-popular fan zone will have all the usual activity going on pre-match. Thanks to all our partners who make it such an enjoyable experience.

Before today’s kick off, we will be having a minute’s applause in memory of lifelong County and Wales fan Richie Donovan who recently sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with Richie’s family and friends many of whom are at today’s game.

Good luck to James and lads this afternoon. Gavin

1 Joe DAY 0 (0) 0 0 0 4 (0) 0 0 0 4 (0) 0 0 0

2 Cameron NORMAN 9 (0) 0 2 0 2 (1) 0 0 0 11 (1) 0 2 0

3 Declan DRYSDALE 7 (0) 0 1 1 3 (1) 0 2 0 10 (1) 0 3 1

4 Sam BOWEN 3 (2) 0 1 0 4 (0) 0 1 0 7 (2) 0 2 0

5 James CLARKE 5 (0) 0 1 0 1 (1) 0 0 0 6 (1) 0 1 0

6 Priestley FARQUHARSON 2 (0) 0 0 0 3 (0) 0 1 0 5 (0) 0 1 0

7 Robbie WILLMOTT 1 (3) 0 0 0 4 (0) 0 2 0 5 (3) 0 2 0

8 Matty DOLAN 4 (1) 0 0 0 2 (0) 0 0 0 6 (1) 0 0 0

9 Omar BOGLE 9 (0) 5 1 0 0 (3) 1 0 0 9 (3) 6 1 0

10 Offrande ZANZALA 2 (0) 0 0 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 2 (1) 0 0 0

11 James WAITE 6 (2) 0 2 0 1 (2) 2 0 0 7 (4) 2 2 0

14 Aaron LEWIS 5 (2) 0 0 0 3 (0) 0 0 0 8 (2) 0 0 0

17 Scot BENNETT 9 (0) 1 4 0 0 (1) 0 0 0 9 (1) 1 4 0

18 Chanka ZIMBA 0 (8) 0 0 0 4 (0) 2 0 0 4 (8) 2 0 0

19 Thierry NEVERS 4 (1) 1 0 0 1 (0) 0 0 0 5 (1) 1 0 0

20 Hayden LINDLEY 1 (1) 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 0 1 (1) 0 0 0

21 Lewis COLLINS 2 (5) 0 0 0 3 (1) 1 1 0 5 (6) 1 1 0

22 Nathan MORIAH-WELSH 4 (2) 1 1 0 0 (3) 0 0 0 4 (5) 1 1 0

24 Aaron WILDIG 3 (1) 0 0 0 2 (1) 1 1 0 5 (2) 1 1 0

27 Adam LEWIS 3 (3) 0 1 0 3 (0) 0 1 0 6 (3) 0 2 0

28 Mickey DEMETRIOU 8 (0) 0 1 0 1 (1) 0 0 0 9 (1) 0 1 0

29 Will EVANS 3 (5) 0 1 0 3 (0) 2 1 0 6 (5) 2 2 0

30 Nick TOWNSEND 9 (0) 0 0 0 0 (0) 0 0 0 9 (0) 0 0 0

Correct and Up To Date on 20.9.2022

1 Leyton Orient 8 1 0 16 4 12 25 Barrow AFC 9 7 0 2 15 9 6 21 Northampton Town 9 6 2 1 19 10 9 20 Stevenage 9 6 1 2 11 9 2 19 Bradford City 9 5 2 2 14 7 7 17 Salford City 9 5 2 2 13 7 6 17 Mansfield Town 9 5 1 3 14 9 5 16 Grimsby Town 4 3 1 8 5 3 15 Crewe Alexandra 4 3 2 11 9 2 15 Sutton United 9 4 2 3 11 9 2 14 Swindon Town 3 5 1 10 8 2 14 Doncaster Rovers 4 2 3 10 11 - 1 14 Carlisle United 3 4 1 10 8 2 13 Tranmere Rovers 3 1 5 9 9 0 10 Walsall 2 3 4 10 9 1 9 Stockport County 2 2 5 10 13 - 3 8 AFC Wimbledon 2 2 5 9 13 - 4 8 Harrogate Town 2 2 5 6 11 - 5 8 Newport County AFC 2 1 6 9 13 - 4 8 Crawley Town 1 3 5 8 13 - 5 6 Colchester United 1 3 5 7 13 - 6 6 Gillingham 1 3 5 2 11 - 9 6 Hartlepool United 9 0 4 5 6 17 - 11 4 Rochdale 9 0 2 7 5 16 - 11 2 & SEASON Cup Total

DEPOSIT LIMITS

COUNTY IN THE COMMUNITY

TRIP TO LAGOS

After missing the last 2 years due to Covid restrictions one of our staff Mike Pratt returned to Lagos in Portugal to meet up again with The Lagos Walking Football Club.

Mike who is assistant co-ordinator with the CitC Over 50’s walking football side, went along with his friend Steve to a training session at the Boa vista training complex.

The Lagos Strollers are made up of ex pats from the U.K, Ukraine, and Spain.

In April the Strollers hosted the EuropaCopa walking football tournament in Albufeira to help raise funds for Prostate Cancer, teams travelled from as far as the UK,

Portugal and Spain to take part.

Another blast from the past former Newport County John Aldridge legend who now lives in Luz which is just a short distance away from Lagos regularly features in the walking football sessions.

Fingers crossed County in the Community are hoping to continue this relationship for future walking football events in Newport and Portugal.

#THESTROLLERS #THEEXILES

Newport County are unbeaten in their last seven Football League home games against Grimsby Town (W5 D2) since a 0-1 reverse in September 1970.

Grimsby have lost five of their last seven meetings with Newport County in League Two, winning the other two in February 2019 (3-0) and February 2020 (4-2).

ENGLISH LEAGUE - LEAGUE TWO TOP FIVES

SAVES

Leyton Orient are unbeaten in their opening six league games of the season (W5 D1) are looking to make it seven without defeat from the start of a league campaign for the first time since 2013-14 in League One. manager Wild, of their six league games (L1), many they managed in their previous 26 (D7 L14).

SUPPORTERS' TRUST

WHAT IS THE SUPPORTERS' TRUST?

The Newport County AFC Supporters' Trust is one of more than 140 Supporters' Trusts that exist under the umbrella of Supporters' Direct, a national body that provides assistance to supporters "who wish to play a responsible part i n the life of the football club they support".

The Trust was originally formed in 2001 and took a controlling stake in the foot ball club in October 2015 following a communi ty share issue which saw County supporters raise a magnificent £236,000 in just a month.

Since then, Newport County AFC has been a supporter-owned, communi ty-based club.

The primary purpose of the Trust is to provide funding to the club. Our aim is to donate at least £100,000 a se ason to the club.

As well as being owners of an EFL club, Trust members receive a range of benefits depending on their membership tier. All members have guaranteed priority tickets for cup matches.

More details about the Trust can be found on our website: www.ncafctrust.org

WHO IS ON THE TRUST BOARD?

The Board of the Supporters' Trust cur rently consists of seven elected directors and two co­opted directors. As the Trust is the majority shareholder i n the club, all Trust directors ore also registered with the Football League as directors of the club having passed the EFL's Owners and Directors Test.

Your Trust/Club elected directors are: Paul Marks (Trust chairman), Gavin Foxall, Shaun Johnson, Mike Everett, Joe Crocker, Bob Herrin and Kevin Ward. The two co-opted directors are Mark Crook and Peter Madigan.

HOW CAN YOU HELP THE TRUST?

There are a variety of ways in which County supporters can help the Trust.

BECOME A MEMBER: Becoming a Trust member guarantees you a range of benefits and helps the Trust donate more money to the club. Our aim is to donate £100,000 a season to help the manager.

The membership packa ges are as follows Bronze: £5 a month; Silver: £10 a month; Gold: £20 a month; Plat inum: £50+ a month.

Corporate membership is available at £1,000 a year or £600 for six months. More details here: www.ncafctrust.org/joi n

EASYFUNDRAISING: Join eosyfundroising and you can collect free donations for theTrust (and therefore the Club) every time you buy something online. It won't cost you a penny extra. Just start your online shopping first at www.eosyfundraising.org.uk/causes/ncafctrus t/, then shop as normal. Retailers will then make a small donation to say 'thank you'.

T here are more than 3,200 retailers to choose from and so far this scheme hos raised almost £18,500 for the Trust.

VOLUNTEER: T he Trust and t he Club appreciates the many outstanding volunteers who give up their time to help in a variety of ways. If you have the time and skills you think could benefit the club, then please email info@ncafctrust.org

If you have any queries, suggestions, questions or proposals for the Trust, you can contact us via email info@ncafctrust.org or our website www.ncafctrust.org/contact-us CONTACT THE TRUST

Join the Supporters’ Trust

Benefits include:

£5 £60 per annum) £120 £20 per month (or £240 per annum) per (or £600 per annum)

a Voting rights a Regular Trust news & emails a Priority tickets for selected fixtures

a Be a member of the Trust that owns & runs Newport County AFC All Bronze benefits, PLUS

a 5% Club Shop discount a Invites to selected training sessions

All Silver benefits, PLUS

a Monthly ‘Golden Ticket’ draw a One free hospitality experience

All Gold benefits, PLUS

a Player appearance at business or club a Opportunity to purchase cup final tickets a ‘Director for a Day’ experience

For local businesses:

a Logo advertised on Club/Trust websites, teamsheets and programme a Advertorial in two programmes a Player appearance at business a Two boardroom experience places

Exciting bespoke memberships for our younger supporters:

a Clwb Spytty: 0 to 11 years of age a #TeenExiles: 12 to 16 years of age

There membership for everyone. join, go to www.ncafctrust.org/join or scan this QR code on your mobile:

Barnardo’s Cymru believes that every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood, no matter who they are or what they have been through. We work with vulnerable children, young people, families, and communities across Wales, helping them to build a better future.

Around 1 in 3 children in the UK are now living in poverty and we continue to support families across Wales with advice and support such as food vouchers and specialist support through our partnership with Citizen’s Advice. We have launched new helplines including one for Ukrainian refugees, and online advice to support parents through our virtual Barnardo’s Family Space and teachers through the Barnardo’s Education Community.

We are very proud to provide a range of support across Newport including family support, mental health and wellbeing, disability support, young carers, care leavers, domestic abuse, child sexual exploitation victims and Fostering.

It is fantastic to have the support of Newport County AFC who have helped us provide opportunities for young people and families to attend matches, get involved more in their communities as well as supporting us directly in our services. Thank you, Newport County!

CARLISLE UNITED

Welcome …

With just one League Two defeat this season, 2-1 at high-flying Stevenage, CARLISLE UNITED are certain to provide tough opposition as we seek to end a run of three league defeats. ‘Cumbrians’ have hardly looked back since the managerial return of Paul Simpson seven months ago and will be hoping to be pushing for a top seven place come May.

FACT FILE…

Formed: 1904.

Previous Name: Shaddongate United (1904)

Ground: Brunton Park, Warwick Road, Carlisle, Cumbria CA1 1LL.

Capacity: 17,030.

Previous Grounds: Milholme Bank (1904-05), Devonshire Park (1905-09).

Best League Position: 22nd, Division 1 (first tier), 1974-75.

Best in FA Cup: Quarter Finalists, 1974-75.

Best in League Cup: Semi Finalists, 1969-70.

Best in FL Trophy: Winners 1996-97 and 2010-11.

Best in FA Trophy: Round 5, 2004-05.

Record Win: 8-0 v Hartlepools United, Division 3 (North), September 1928, and 8-0 v Scunthorpe United, Division 3 (North), December 1952.

Record Defeat: 1-11 v Hull City, Division 3 (North), January 1939.

Record Attendance: 27,500 v Birmingham City, FA Cup Round 3, January 1957, and v Middlesbrough, FA Cup Round 5, February 1970.

Record Appearances: Allan Ross, 466 (1963-79).

Record Scorer: Jimmy McConnell, 124 (1928-32)

Record Signing: Joe Garner, £140,000 from Blackburn Rovers, August 2007.

Record Departure: Matt Jansen, £1m to Crystal Palace, February 1998.

Most Capped Players: Reggie Lambe, 6(42) for Bermuda, Hallam Hope 6 for Barbados.

1904-2022 …

1904 Friendlies; 1905-07 Lancashire Combination Division 2; 1907-10 Lancashire Combination Division 1; 1910-28 North Eastern League; 1928-58 Division 3 (N); 1958-62 Division 4; 1962-63 Division 3; 1963-64 Division 4; 1964-65 Division 3; 1965-74 Division 2; 1974-75 Division 1; 1975-77 Division 2; 1977-82 Division 3; 1982-86 Division 2; 1986-87 Division 3; 1987-92 Division 4; 1992-95 Division 3 (fourth tier); 1995-96 Division 2; 1996-97 Division 3; 1997-98 Division 2; 1998-2004 Division 3; 2004-05 Conference; 2005-06 League Two; 2006-14 League One; 2014- League Two.

LAST 10 SEASONS … Season League Position Average Att. 2012-13 League One 17 4302 2013-14 League One 22 (rel.) 4243 2014-15 League Two 20 4376 2015-16 League Two 10 4837 2016-17 League Two 6 (p/off) 5114 2017-18 League Two 10 4609 2018-19 League Two 11 4712 2019-20 League Two 18 4140 2020-21 League Two 10 BCD 2021-22 League Two 20 4966

BACK STORY …

Football in the border city of Carlisle dates back to the 1880s, when Carlisle Association and Red Rose vied for local supremacy. By 1896, a new kid on the block emerged as Shaddongate United were formed in the heart of the area’s cotton mills and textile factories. Three years later, Carlisle Association went out of business, while in 1904 Shaddongate were controversially stripped of the Cumberland Senior League championship following a dispute over postponement of matches. A heated annual general meeting saw members vote to reform as Carlisle United and, with the dissolution of Red Rose in 1906, the by then Lancashire Combination outfit were the area’s prominent team.

Cumbrians appointed 23-year-old Ivor Broadis as player-manager in 1946, making him the youngest manager in Football League history. Three years later, he had the distinction of becoming the first manager to transfer himself, moving to Sunderland, before returning to Brunton Park in 1955 as an ex-England international.Liverpool icon Bill Shankly is another former United boss, with the world famous ‘Red’ a ‘Blue’ between 1949 and 1951, steering Carlisle to 9th and 3rd place finishes in Division 3 (North)

Carlisle famously topped the old First Division after three games of the 1974-75 season as Alan Ashman’s side followed up impressive away wins at Chelsea and Middlesbrough with a 1-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Brunton Park in what was to be the last away match of the legendary Bill Nicholson’s reign. Chris Balderstone netted the winner from the penalty spot, while a couple of weeks later he made the sporting headlines again, swapping football kit for cricket flannels to help Leicestershire to the Sunday League title. Unfortunately, Blues’ dream start could not be sustained and United were eventually relegated, along with Chelsea and Luton Town.

Blues lost their Football League status at the end of the 2003-04 campaign having been defeated in 18 of their opening 21 games. Current manager Paul Simpson almost inspired a Michael Flynn style great escape with a late season surge that lifted them above York City

but unfortunately fell four points short of safety. Carlisle had a few other brushes with relegation, finishing bottom of the Fourth Division in 1992 only to be saved by the demise of Aldershot, while seven years later on loan goalkeeper Jimmy Glass famously scored a last-minute winner against Plymouth Argyle to preserve Cumbrians’ Football League status. United also finished 91st in the Football League in 1988, but on that occasion were a comfortable 19 points clear of … Newport County!

PAST MANAGER …

It is fair to say that Dublin-born RODDY COLLINS did not join Newport County at the best of times, opting to sign on the Somerton Park dotted line at the start of the 1987-88 campaign in favour of a move back to his native Ireland with Derry City. Plagued by injuries, the ex-Mansfield Town striker’s Newport career lasted just six games, with his only goal coming in a 3-1 defeat at Halifax Town in September 1987. Fourteen years later, he signed a two-year contract as manager of this afternoon’s visitors after leading Bohemians to a League and Cup double. With Carlisle under a financial embargo and having just eight professionals, it was a situation not entirely dissimilar to that at Somerton Park in 1987-88. However, Collins steered Blues to 14th position in the Football League’s basement division by April 2002, their highest placing for five seasons, before losing his job after a dispute over club ownership. He was reappointed manager three months later and, with a weakened squad, led Carlisle to the Football League Trophy Final in Cardiff the following campaign.

Collins later managed a host of League of Ireland teams, most recently Athlone Town in 2018, and has worked regularly as a pun dit in the Emerald Isle. Now 60, the brother of former world boxing champion Steve ruled out a return to management with Bohemians earlier this month, telling ‘The Irish Daily Mirror’:

‘I have not applied to be the new Bohemians manager and I will not be doing so. Countless ‘Bohs’ fans have contacted me about the position, urging me to return to the club. It ain’t happening!’

United fans can play in steering the side to the upper echelons of the League Two table. The former Gretna, Blues and Barrow midfielder, who has had two caretaker spells in charge at Brunton Park, told the Carlisle-based ‘Express & Star’:

‘The crowd are massive – not just in getting behind us to drive us on to a win, which is important, but staying with us when it is not going our way as well. In the Rochdale game at the start of the month, when we went 3-1 down after half time…over the last couple of years we have all been there when it can turn (in that situation) and it becomes a difficult place to play.But I thought the crowd really stuck with us.It gave the players more energy and confidence and it was one of the key reasons why we got back into the game to draw 3-3.’

Attendances at Brunton Park are yet to drop below the 5000 mark this term, and supporters have been rewarded with three wins and two draws from five home fixtures.

Going Up?

Mansfield Town boss Nigel Clough, whose side were held to a goalless draw by Cumbrians at the One Call Stadium 11 days ago, believes that this afternoon’s visitors could be pushing for a top seven finish this term:

‘When Paul Simpson went in last seaso,n they immediately picked up and got clear of the relegation zone.I think they have made a couple of good signings, adding to the good players they already have there.I think if they stay injury-free and get a little bit of luck that everybody needs, there is no reason why they can’t be up there in May.’

MANAGER’S VIEW …

Paul Simpson after last weekend’s 2-1 win over AFC Wimbledon:

‘People will complain that we should have got all three points at Mansfield, but we didn’t, and if you can win at home and draw away, however that happens, then it breeds confidence and belief and you tend to be able to push on. I am absolutely delighted with three points. I thought the crowd were excellent as well.’

FAN’S VIEW …

Blues fan Dan MacLennan singing the praises of the gaffer in ‘FourFourTwo’ magazine.

‘Paul Simpson returned in February, donning his Superman outfit and we have some belief back. The fans think the gaffer is God-like. He returned to save us from the drop and banish the previous months of dirge. He is not allowed to leave. Ever! We will finish in the top seven.’

COUNTY v BLUES

Season Competition H A

1963-64 Division 4 1-4 (5489) 3-3 (7528)

1980-81 Division 3 4-0 (3748) 4-1 (2859)

1981-82 Division 3 2-0 (3972) 2-2 (4042)

1986-87 Division 3 1-1 (1540) 2-2 (2192)

1987-88 Division 4 1-2 (1376) 1-3 (1766)

2014-15 League Two 2-1 (3273) 3-2 (3642)

2015-16 League Two 1-0 (2106) 1-0 (4402)

2016-17 League Two 2-0 (2521) 1-2 (5402)

2017-18 League Two 3-3 (3176) 0-0 (5311)

2018-19 League Two 2-0 (3432) 2-3 (3541)

2019-20 League Two 1-0 (3681) 0-2 (2822)

2020-21 League Two 0-0 (BCD) 2-3 (BCD)

2021-22 League Two 2-2 (2962) 2-1 (4445)

BLUES TODAY …

RECENT RESULTS …

F-A Att:

30 July: Crawley Town H 1-0 6403

06 Aug: Colchester United A 1-1 3137

09 Aug: Shrewsbury Town (League Cup R1) A 2-3 2269

13 Aug: Swindon Town H 1-1 5602

20 Aug: Stevenage A 1-2 2514

27 Aug: Gillingham H 1-0 5261

30 Aug: Manchester United U21s (EFL Trophy) H 1-2 3331

03 Sep: Rochdale H 3-3 5023

13 Sep: Mansfield Town A 0-0 5421

17 Sep: AFC Wimbledon H 2-1 5038

20 Sep: Fleetwood Town (EFL Trophy) H *1-1 1089

Scorers: Dennis 7, Mellish 2, Devitt 1, Edmondson 1, Guy 1, Huntingdon 1, Idehan 1.

* Carlisle United won 4-2 on penalties

Fortress Brunton

Assistant manager Gavin Skelton has talked up the role that Carlisle

MEET CARLISLE UNITED

01 Tomas Holy GOALKEEPER

Born in the Czech Republic and capped at youth levels before leaving Sparta Prague - where he played for the B team - for Gilling ham in the January 2017 transfer window. Standing 6’9”, Tomas kept 15 clean sheets in his 52 outings for the Gills in 2018-19 and then joined Ipswich Town. He extended his initial two-year contract at Portman Rd by a year and ended last season on loan at Port Vale before joining Carlisle in July.

02 Joel Senior DEFENDER

Right-sided defender brought in from National League Altrincham on an 18-month deal for an undis closed fee at the beginning of the January 2022 transfer window. Joel, 22, played for several leading Man chester non-league clubs after being freed aged 15 by Oldham Athletic. He was picked up by Burnley but with Covid and injury restricting his opportunities at Turf Moor he joined Altrincham in the summer of 2020.

03 Jack Armer

DEFENDER

Former Preston North End defender who joined the Blues in August 2020 on a one-year deal, since extended for a further two. Jack, qualifying via his mother, has represented Scotland from U17 to U19 levels and captained the U18s at Preston. Praised for a solid left foot, he has been used as a centreback and at left back. He had two fruitful loan spells from Preston to Lancaster City in the Northern Premier League.

04 Owen Moxon

MIDFIELDER

Born in Carlisle and was with their academy but made his senior debut north of the border with Queen of the South. After a loan spell with Gretna,Owen made his name with Annan Athletic who he joined in the summer of 2017. He netted 15 goals in 148 games and his 46 appearanc es last season saw him voted into the PFA Scottish League Two Team of the Year as well as scooping two Player of the Year awards.

05 Morgan Feeney

DEFENDER

England schools and youth cap up to U19 who arrived at Brunton Park in January 2021 on a deal ini tially until the end of that season but since extended twice. Bootle-born Morgan, 23, came through Everton’s youth system and was loaned to Tranmere for the second half of 2019-20, only to suffer a hamstring injury in his first appearance. He left Goodison for Sunderland that sum mer and was picked up by United as a free agent.

06 Paul Huntington

DEFENDER

August signing from Preston North End, where he spent 10 years and clocked up more than 300 games. Recently turned 35, Paul left Carlisle as a youngster for the academy at Newcastle United. After top-flight and European football for the Magpies he moved to Leeds in the summer of 2007 and subsequent moves took him to Stockport and Yeovil where he captained the side and made close to 100 appearances.

MIDFIELDER

Winger signed on a two-year deal from Sligo Rovers at the end of the August 2021 window. Birming ham-born Jordan was with Wolves as a youngster, moving on to the U20 squad at Rangers and then to Bradford City in 2017. He played 29 games for the Bantams and ended 2018-19 on loan at Stevenage. After a move to Ireland to St Patrick’s he was snapped up by Sligo and scored in seven successive games in their summer 2021 season.

08 Callum Guy

MIDFIELDER

Club captain Callum, 25, was signed during the January 2020 transfer window from Blackpool and is clos ing in on 100 league appearances for United. A box-to-box midfielder, he started his career with Derby County where he quickly became a regular in the U23 side. He had loan spells with Port Vale and Bradford City then spent the first half of 2018-19 on loan at Blackpool before the move became permanent.

09 Ryan Edmondson STRIKER

Harrogate-born England U19 cap who cut his teeth with York City as the club’s third youngest debutant ever at 16 years and 140 days. Ryan was snapped up by Leeds United, then in the Championship, in 2017 and had loan spells with Aberdeen, Northampton, Fleetwood and most recently Port Vale before joining Carlisle this summer. He bagged three goals for Vale as they booked promotion into League 1 via the play-offs last season.

10 Omari Patrick STRIKER

In his second spell with Carlisle. Omari first signed from Bradford City in January 2020. He started his senior non-league career with Kid derminster Harriers and moved on to Barnsley, Bradford, Yeovil Town (loan) and Wrexham (loan), where he scored five goals in seven starts. Rejoining United in last January’s window from Burton Albion, he scored a crucial nine goals in 24 + 4 games as the club pulled clear of the relegation threat.

12 Sonny Hilton

MIDFIELDER

On loan for the season from Fulham. Sonny, 21, joined Fulham as an un der-16 player from Tranmere Rovers. He has also represented England at U16 level and captained Fulham’s U18 and U23 sides as he continued his progress at his parent club.He had a loan spell with Finnish side TPS Turku between April and July 2021 and returned to skipper the U23 squad to the Premier League 2 Division 2 title last season.

14 Kristian Dennis STRIKER

January 2022 window signing from St Mirren. Kristian, 32, began his career at Macclesfield Town and moved on to play for Woodley Sports, Mossley and Curzon Ashton where he netted 72 goals in two seasons. This secured him a threeyear spell with Stockport County. Subsequent moves took him back to Macclesfield on loan and then to Chesterfield, Notts County and St Mirren in the summer of 2020.

15 Taylor Charters

MIDFIELDER

Cumbrian from Whitehaven who earned a two-year deal early in the second year of his scholarship with the club in August 2019. Having trained with the first-team squad and with a number of pre-season friendlies to his name, he settled quickly and notched up nine appearances in 2019-20 mostly as a substitute, plus two games on loan at Workington. Last season he played 21 times on loan for Gates head in NL North.

Recovering from a hamstring injury at the time of writing. Tobi joined the Blues on an 18-month contract from Sutton United for an undisclosed fee during the January 2022 transfer window.The Londoner was a youth player with Charlton and had loan spells with Welling and Inverness CT before joining Bromley in 2016. He then spent two seasons with Dover before joining Halifax, and Sutton signed him in the summer of 2020.

17 Corey Whelan DEFENDER

With Liverpool from the age of nine, progressing to become a regular in the U23 side where he often wore the captain’s armband. The Republic of Ireland U17 and U21 cap had loan spells with Yeovil and Crewe, then spent 18 months in the US second tier with Phoenix Rising. On return from America he signed for Wigan, who he helped avoid the drop despite them going into adminis tration, and he signed for the Blues in summer 2021.

20 Jack Ellis DEFENDER

Youth product who signed his first professional deal with the club last January.Kendal-born Jack was handed the U18 captain’s armband for last season and flourished, earning a step up to the first-team training environment.Settling quickly, he signed his first two-year contract before the completing his scholarship programme and started the last two games of 2021-22, giv ing him his home and away league debuts.

22 Jon Mellish MIDFIELDER

Had a great 2020-21 campaign with 49 appearances and 16 goals - including two against County at Brunton Park - after switching from defence. Jon came through the youth system at Gateshead and made his debut in the final game of 2016-17. He made a total of 58 ap pearances, was capped by England C and was named National League Young Player of the Year for 2018-19 before joining Carlisle ahead of the 2019-20 season.

25 Finley Back

DEFENDER

Appropriately named, 19-year-old Fin is indeed a right back and on loan for the season from Notting ham Forest. He was with Forest’s academy from the age of eight and signed his first pro deal at the end of 2019.He made five appearances for the first team last season, three in the Championship promotion push. His father Neil – who was a forward - played in three Rugby World Cups for England, picking up a winner’s medal in 2003.

26 Ben Barclay DEFENDER

On loan from Stockport County. Ben cut his teeth with Manchester City but moved to Brighton aged 16.He impressed in the U23sin Premier League 2 and spent the second half of 2018-19 onloan with Notts County before moving to Accrington Stanley on a permanent basis.Two seasons there ended when he joined Stockport in August last year and he enjoyed a 20-game loan spell with Yeovil in the NL to finish off last term.

29 Jayden Harris

MIDFIELDER

Joined on a three-year deal from National League club Aldershot at the beginning of August. Jayden is a product of the youth system at Fulham and had a brief loan spell at Woking during the 2019-20 season. The central midfielder joined the Shots in 2021 on a two-year per manent deal after having played 19 times and contributing five assists in Premier League 2 with the Cottagers.

GOALKEEPER

Reserve stopper signed in the summer to put pressure on Czech Tomas Holy.Michael joined from Bray Wanderers on an initial oneyear deal for an undisclosed fee, with the club having an option to extend his stay.The 26-year-old has spent most of his playing career in Ireland’s first and second tiers including spells at Longford Town, Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers.

32 Jack Stretton STRIKER

On a season-long loan from Derby County.A Derbyshire lad,Jack has progressed through the youth ranks to the Rams’firstteam and made his league debut in November 2020. He was loaned to National League side Stockport County between March and May 2021 and scored three in five games. He scored his first goal for Derby last season and went on to make 16 appearances in total, mainly from the bench.

33 Duncan Idehen

Joined United from Bristol City on a half-season loan deal in August. Duncan started his career with Norwich City and had spells with Lincoln and Grimsby– where he made six first-team appearances – before being scouted by City. He signed an initial six-month contract in January 2022 and this became a two-year deal at the end of the season.He made his Championship bow with two games off the bench in April and May.

PAUL SIMPSON

MANAGER

Returned for his second spell in charge at Brunton Park in February 2022 with the club deeply embroiled in a relegation battle, succeed ing Keith Millen who spent only four months in the post.

There was an immediate upturn in results and league safety was secured with a month to spare.

Talks quickly followed and a deal was agreed keeping Paul with his hometown club until at least the summer of 2025.

His first stint made him something of a local hero when he also took over a struggling side in 2003-04 and although he couldn’t prevent relegation from the EFL he led the charge back with successive promotions from the Conference to League One through 2004-05 and 2005-06.

Paul has a wealth of experience - he guided England’s U20s when they won their age-group World Cup in 2017 and he has also managed clubs including Rochdale, Preston, Shrewsbury and Stockport.

His playing career as a winger with 10 clubs including Carlisle ran to almost 700 EFL games.

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