United then face league newcomers Yeovil in their second game on August 16. This will be the Huish Park outfit's first ever home game in the Football League and will be sure to attract a big crowd. York just missed out on the play-offs last season, recording a 1-1 draw at Brunton Park in April. They are facing a cash crisis and have sacked their manager Terry Dolan recently and appointed Chris Brass, at 27 the youngest boss in the whole league. The Bootham Crescent club are now owned by their Supporters' Trust. Carlisle's Boxing Day clash will be against Bury at Gigg Lane. The eagerly-awaited visit to Darlington's new all-seater stadium comes on Saturday September 6 when United are expected to have their biggest away following of the season. The Quakers are owned by former safe-cracker George Reynolds, who made uncharitable remarks about Carlisle's fans last year. Former Cumbrians owner Michael Knighton is employed by the North-East outfit on a consultancy basis, working for their commercial department. Former high-flyers Huddersfield Town, who until 2001 were an ambitious First Division side, visit Brunton Park for the first time in over 17 years on February 28. The Terriers parted company with former Carlisle manager Mick Wadsworth last season, just before their relegation was confirmed. They haven't played in the league's basement since 1980. They went into administration with debts of over £1 million a few weeks ago. Ex-United supremo Martin Wilkinson brings his Northampton Town side to Cumbria on March 16. Wilkinson's one season in charge at Brunton Park ended in near-disaster in May 2000 when Carlisle went down 1-0 at Brighton but avoided relegation to the Conference on goal difference. Wilko was appointed as boss of the Cobblers late last season, but he couldn't prevent relegation. Another match-up that will add spice to the new campaign will be the return of troubled midfield starlet Stuart Green. Green left Brunton Park under a cloud in April after admitting to a telephone conversation with his manager Peter Taylor at Hull City, who he was on loan from at the time. Green was subsequently sacked by furious manager Roddy Collins and has vowed to win his first-team place back at the Kingston Communications Stadium. United go to Hull on October 11 with the return on February 14. Picture from News & Star |
