United operations manager Nigel Dickinson (ND) spoke to BBC Radio Cumbria's Mike Parr (MP) this morning about the latest news regarding Wembley ticket sales after six days of trading, Dickinson saying that Carlisle have sold 9,600 tickets so far for the Johnstone's Paint Trophy Final :
MP
How many tickets then have gone so far?
ND
We have been on sale for six days and we have just sold over 9,600.
MP
And is that on target for this stage in the game?
ND
We are probably a little bit down on last year, but I think you have got to take into account maybe the economic situation and obviously we were there last year as well.
MP
So, how much will it cost me then, there are a range of prices obviously, the cheapest and the most expensive tickets then?
ND
Right, we are going from £24 being the cheapest right through to £58, but those are reduced by half for concessions.
MP
And how many people are going for a package then? Because, they are also available aren't they with the transport down?
ND
Well, there are various operators through our Supporters Club and Reays are using a travel company we use as well, they have all got packages and there are various other ones in the local papers as well.
MP
And how about your opponents Brentford then, how are their tickets going, do you know?
ND
Yeah, I was in touch with them yesterday, they have gone back to get a few more tickets, they have so far sold just over 20,500.
MP
Right, so we have got to sell a lot more haven't we because we don't want to be overwhelmed by their support once we get down there?
ND
No, we have still got our full allocation, just over 19,500, and we are obviously going down there to win so we would love to take as many fans as possible to hopefully bring the trophy back to Cumbria.
MP
Yeah, because we need to make a lot of noise don't we, how important is it to the team to hear those Carlisle fans at Wembley?
ND
Well, yes, it is fantastic to get a good vocal following and the more we have there obviously, Brentford are going to have quite a good following as well so we want to compete with them as well.
MP
Yeah, financially then, how important is all of this to the club?
ND
Well, it is a bonus getting past the first or second round in any competition and the further we go on it is going to help the finances of the club greatly.
MP
Yeah, and what about merchandising? Obviously, the sales of the shirts and the scarves and the hats go up don't they?
ND
Yeah, that is right, we have got a full stock in our club shop, obviously just be aware that there are some people not associated with the club selling in the city centre, so that money doesn't go back to the club. So, we would urge all our fans to get down to our club shop and buy all the Wembley material.
MP
Yeah, and what is your ticket allocation total then?
ND
At the moment we have got a full allocation of just over 19,500.
MP
Right, so there is a way to go yet isn't there?
ND
Yeah, well we are selling every day, we are open again today from 10am to 5pm in the main ticket office at the club, we are open through tomorrow. We are not open at the weekend but then we are back open next Monday 10am to 5pm in our ticket office.
MP
Yeah, do you expect there to be a late rush then in about two weeks time?
ND
Well, I hope so, if the league form continues, we are now up to eighth in the league. If we can continue playing well in the league then hopefully it is going to generate a lot more interest. I would just urge all our fans, another opportunity to get down there to Wembley and cheer the Blues on.