Well after two years of writing, research, (a lot of travelling) and interviews – it was looking to be a bit ‘touch and go’ but I’m glad to be able to say that the new book on Carlisle United will be available to buy in the shops before Christmas. Hopefully this will be good news for many Blues fans, as if like me, you struggle when it comes to knowing what to buy for Xmas presents, this may help out where that problem is concerned!
When the previous publication ‘Legends’ came out it sold far better than any of us could have hoped for. Infact poor old Hughie Mac was shattered when a one hour book signing turned into four hours! (Well why do you think he was invited to come along) But even though selling so well there was a touch of sadness contained in some of it as several of the players featured on the pages were no longer with us.
So a while later I had the idea of writing something similar but perhaps with a happier and more of an upbeat feel to it. The only thing that didn’t appeal as mentioned was the amount of travelling involved basically due to the fact of having been going back and forward to London for the past 19 years, but you know in the end was really glad it didn’t put me off, because there wasn’t one single player that it wasn’t a real pleasure to meet again. This book was sort of based along the same lines as the last one, the idea being to select a manager along with a team of 11 players and (try anyway) to write about them in more depth than if loads of former CUFC footballers had been mentioned. The majority of those included were from the last really successful United side which stormed to the Division Three title – and got us to Wembley for the first time in our history.
As already mentioned it was smashing to see them again, they hadn’t changed and they did have an affinity with the Blues faithful. That’s why I feel/hope you’ll enjoy reading the book as in a way there were a lot of younger supporters who ‘grew up’ with this team. For many CUFC fans it was the first time in life that they had actually sampled success with the Cumbrians. And didn’t they celebrate it, no wonder after so many lean years beforehand.
There are three players included who were in the United team from a few more years back than most. To me they deserved to be as they were superb servants in that famous blue Carlisle shirt. They are John Gorman, a fantastic defender who also like an extra winger the way he got down that left flank. Then there was Paul Proudlock. You know Proudey had some real flair, talent and skill – but so often didn’t get the chance to show it as he was part of a very ‘average’ side. He said s that it did get him down in the end, and it became a struggle to play his natural game, but just imagine if he hadn’t left, Paul could have been outstanding in that CUFC side just a few seasons later. It is something he admitted to having regrets about! Striker Billy Rafferty makes the 11, a forward with skill who battled hard up-front, often with little service, but crikey he scored some important goals.But all of the players featured had something 'interesting' to say and believe me there were one or two secrets revealed that none of us knew about at the time!
There was only one manager I wanted to include in Proud To Be A Cumbrian - and that was Paul Simpson - so was delighted when he agreed to it. You know he is such a busy bloke but always found time to help me out when needed. One or two folks have said it was risky asking Paul to be involved as it would have looked a bit daft (we were still in the Conference when we did the first interview) if for whatever reason he'd left the club and this new publication then came out featuring a manager who had departed.But knowing Simmo even back then believed there was little chance of any risk and felt he had the ability to turn this club around. So much so that I even asked him to write the foreword for the book! Anyway everyone featured has a profile about them followed by an interview. Those interviews make for excellent reading – not because of anything I’ve written, only asked the questions, but as mentioned earlier they go into some depth.Simmo's interview alone runs to over 50 pages!!!! Starts off with him going in the kids pen at Brunton, aged 14, then goes into detail about his whole career, and it was a surprise to discover just how much he’d done in the game. And of course the boss has now come full circle.! The second part of the interview took place after we had won back our place in the League.
So to the defence with keeper Tony Caig taking the number one shirt. The number two position going to Darren Edmondson with John Gorman alongside him. Next in the side came Dean Walling – and have to say it was brilliant spending the day in Leeds with Deano! He's followed by the legendary Derek Mountfield and then Richard Prokas - and yeah Richie goes into detail about 'that tackle'. You know they were all so happy to talk about their time as CUFC players, Rod Thomas paid the club an amazing compliment. Paul Proudlock is the player next featured and then my old mate David Reeves.Billy Rafferty and John Halpin make up the 11. After everything Halpi has been through at Brunton Park, as you can imagine he has some 'interesting' things to say.
No doubt you won't all agree with those players included but do hope you find it an enjoyable read. So if you know someone who is a Blues fan and want to get them something for Xmas, or even if you want to get yourself a 'gift' then you could do worse than get to Ottakers bookshop on December 15 between 5.30 and 7.30. If so youll get the chance to meet and have a word with Paul Simpson and if you decide to buy the book then the boss will sign it for you.
Cheers Mick!