The news comes as a big blow to the club and its supporters who were looking forward to a 6,000-plus gate in the wake of the John Courtenay takeover. Heavy rain that swept through Carlisle yesterday had eased off by yesterday evening but the pitch was found to be unplayable this morning despite the efforts of the groundstaff. Fans had been assured by Courtenay that any gate money from home games played during the negotiations with Michael Knighton would remain in the club. The two men are thought to have an agreement that no money is taken out by Mr Knighton's holding company. Courtenay's accountants have already completed financial due diligence and any outward movement of funds would almost certainly destroy any hopes of a deal. Boycotting supporters had agreed to return to Brunton Park for the match against Chris Turner's side, who have won the last two encounters between the two teams - both in controversial circumstances. Carlisle have had three players sent off and conceded two penalties in the two contests. United's commercial manager Steve Barker confirmed that the club had been inundated with calls from returning supporters as well as potential new sponsors this week. "I would like to think that we will get 6,000 from Carlisle fans, plus 500-800 from Hartlepool," he said. "We will be increasing the number of stewards by 25 per cent in anticipation of the large crowd and the atmosphere. We have noticed a lot of difference already. People are ringing me up and sending letters saying they have not sponsored games for years and want to do it again. We have also had pledges of money for executive boxes and the supporters are buying the merchandise." Roddy dedicates award to fans and players Roddy Collins has praised his players and United's dedicated supporters after picking up his first award in English football. Collins was named as Division Three's Manager of the Month for January after steering his side to three wins and two draws in five unbeaten games. During that run the Cumbrians slammed in twelve goals. In addition, the PFA Player of the Month in Divison Three for January is Ian Stevens, in a poll voted for by fans. "It is great to win," commented Collins. "But I am just a figurehead for the players. They are the ones who have worked their socks off to bring us the results. It has been a team effort with coaches Tony Elliott and John Cunningham and scout Barry Robinson. "I am happy to receive the award on behalf of them and the supporters. It is great for the club. This is not a Roddy Collins award, it is an award for the whole club and may be just the start of a good run." 35-year-old Stevens collected the first prize of his long career and the divisional award capped his return to the fold after being left out for some months by Collins. The manager has already admitted dropping Stevens could have cost Carlisle points. Stevens scored against Scunthorpe in December in his first league game back and then notched a first-half hat-trick against Leyton Orient on January 12 - his third for United. |
