It's been brilliant to watch Carlisle United of late and I for one have been proud of the team's performances on the pitch, along with most other Blues fans I reckon. The players and especially the manager deserve so much credit for the way the club's fortunes have been turned around and upwards. Paul Simpson really has done a remarkable job when you look back at the state United were in when he took over as boss. What stands out in my opinion is the confidence and belief the players perform with, they certainly never know when they are beaten, and they are a team who have achieved the success they have by PLAYING football.
Two recent examples would have to be Darlington away, a game that took on a surreal feel late on and the Cup Final at Cardiff a few weeks ago. Yes we lost that one but the way the side performed in the second half especially was outstanding, not a hint of kick and rush as Swansea were outplayed football wise. Their one chance literally being that late winning goal (surely handball ref eh.)
But there's another reason for us Cumbrian supporters to enjoy and be proud to follow CUFC. We'll probably never win the Premier League, how many teams will, but follow United and there's hardly ever a dull moment. No wonder Radio 5 live voted Carlisle the most exciting team in the country recently.
To say The Blues never do things by halfs is putting it mildly! I've been reporting on football for more years than I care to remember, mostly in and around London, and as far as the majority of clubs are concerned they train during the week and play their games at the weekend. Fair enough in a way, but that almost sounds boring compared to what has gone on and no doubt will continue to go on at Brunton Park. And we're talking both on and off the pitch here. I'll stick with the playing side and here's one example. Which team remains the only side ever to be featured on 'every' News and Sports programme across the whole of America. United of course thanks to the efforts of one Sir James Glass!
On a personal level I recently spent several months on the beautiful Island of Koh Sumai in Thailand - staying at probably the worlds best Thai Boxing training camp. Even that had a twist as the bloke in charge is from Carlisle. But it's a long way, away and the place had just one bar dedicated to a football team from the UK.. Who do you think, Man Utd, Chelsea, Liverpool, Celtic - no you've guessed it, Carlisle United! You couldn't make it up. Seems the older I get the more I realise just what a special club this is. How anyone can be from the great Border City and choose to support a team from elsewhere is beyond me.
Proud to be a Cumbrian and wouldn't swap them for anyone. Yep, never a dull moment for sure.
Respect,
Mick.