The pair sat a table in front of the stand and laid out their plans for the future as well as taking questions from supporters. In a relaxed atmosphere, both men cracked jokes and promised a great future for fans who have suffered a disastrous four years under the old ownership. Collins said he hoped to see 10,000 at the ground in January as well as at the opening game against Hartlepool which it is hoped could attract the biggest gate for a league match since United's championship winning days of 1994-95. Such a crowd, argued Collins would mean he must be doing his job right. Courtenay said contracts weren't an issue between him and Collins who he claimed had five years to get the Cumbrians up into the First Division. Collins confirmed he will be moving his family over to Cumbria, the first manager in many years with the job security to be able to do it. Collins confirmed that youngster Michael Jack will be signing a two-year contract and that goalkeeper Peter Keen was also returning to the club. He expected striker Trevor Molloy to arrive today from his loan spell at Shelbourne. However there was bad news for fans of Steve Soley as the midfielder has decided to stay with Southport after turning down the chance to return to Carlisle following his release at the end of last season. Courtenay hinted he was looking at moving the pitch forwards to align with the East Stand and said he was planning a revamped Neil Sports Centre, indicating the demolition of the Petteril End could be imminent. However he said squad development would come before ground development and said if he withheld funds from Collins to build new stands, the outspoken former Bohs boss would walk out the door. He also welcomed supporters' trust CCUIST into the fold, thanking them for their efforts in bringing him to the club, with an offer of a place on the board, although he also told them it was time to "take off their uniforms" following the end of the Michael Knighton era. Courtenay will be confirmed as new owner of the club tomorrow if creditors vote to accept a CVA package prepared by United's administrators. Courtenay said he was confident of clearing all the debts inside the eight-month timeframe laid out in the documents. Liz strikes it lucky with strip prize Well connected United fan Liz Dunn is the first supporter of the Cumbrians to don the new home shirt, revealed for the first time at yesterday's forum. Genial John Courtenay fulfilled his promise to single out the footy-mad Carlisle mother made on the CUFC Online message board this week. As the publicity-shy Mrs Dunn attempted to flee the stadium, Courtenay brought her to a halt and announced he would be presenting her with a home shirt at the main entrance. The kits have been designed by Mr Courtenay's son, who has won awards for his designs. The home kit will be a basic blue and white design with the city crest prominent while the away kit is predominantly white and blue. Courtenay promised the kits would be in the club shop by the end of September. He also promised to completely overhaul the shop and bring in new product lines of Umbro sportswear. CCUIST organise big Brunton clean-up Supporters trust CCUIST have promised to wipe away the cobwebs of the Michael Knighton era in a big clean-up at Brunton Park on Saturday morning. They want an army of volunteers to descend on the grubby stadium armed with buckets, mops, brooms, dustpans, brushes, squeegies, detergents, weed killer and anything else they can lay their hands on. The task is the first of many the trust hope to organise to help bring the club back into the local community. Volunteer fans are asked to assemble outside the main entrance to Brunton Park at 11 am. Picture from News & Star |
