Nobbers get royal visit

Preston North End’s Deepdale Stadium will be home for Carlisle United in their fixture against Notts County on Saturday 19 December. 

 

With Brunton Park still underwater after the horrific flooding suffered across Carlisle, Cumbria and large parts of north Lancashire this weekend, PNE were contacted about the possibility of using the ground to host the League Two match. 

 

The Lilywhites were happy to assist in the circumstances and permission was granted by the board of Football League late on Monday night to allow the game to be played in PR1. 

 

A series of meetings will be held between officials of both clubs over the coming days and fans of both Carlisle United and Notts County are asked to show patience whilst full details of this 3pm kick-off are confirmed and announced through all three clubs’ media channels. 

 

Speaking about the game Preston North End chief executive John Kay said: “As a Club we are delighted to be able to assist. We are all members of the same football family and in what has been a difficult time for the people of Lancashire, Cumbria and the community of Carlisle in particular, the owner and those involved day to day at Deepdale felt we should do everything we could to get the game played.”

 

Carlisle United's club secretary Sarah McKnight said: "The number of offers of help from clubs at every level of the football pyramid has been humbling and overwhelming. Preston North End were in contact with us as early as Sunday night and Notts County have been extremely understanding every step of the way. We would also like to thank the Football League for their advice and assistance, and we will now look to finalise the details as quickly as possible."

 

Commenting, Shaun Harvey, Chief Executive of The Football League said: “In light of the devastating floods that have afflicted Cumbria, The Football League Board has approved a request from Carlisle United to play the Club’s next home match with Notts County at Preston North End’s Deepdale stadium.  We would like thank Preston North End for assisting a fellow league club and we continue to stay in close contact with Carlisle United at this very challenging time to facilitate the playing of further home games away from Brunton Park, if required.”