Taking the Mick - December

Mick's still got his fingers crossed for United

Here we are with the festive season almost upon us once again and I suppose we have to hope that all Blues fans have a better time over Christmas than they have so far during the football season. It’s looking grim and there is no getting away from it and while I know many United fans are resigned to the drop we’ve gotta hope (and pray) that somehow the team can turn it round. It’s so frustrating because even now it’s not impossible but we need to get some points on the board – and we need to get some more players in on-loan. You only have to look at the difference the two new lads have made to see how we could at least get back in the mix with a few more signings. If I had a Xmas wish it would be for John Courtenay and Paul Simpson to get a decent striker to come to Cumbria, even if only for a loan spell. And you have to know the fact we’ve not signed anyone to put the ball in the back of the net is certainly, most, most certainly, not through lack of trying. I was asking the chairman about it the other day and the sheer frustration of countless enquiries about players came off the bloke's shoulders like steam rising. Really I’m not kidding. Seems a combination of us being so far north and bottom of the table by a distance is putting off nearly every player who has been approached. I hope the chief won’t mind me saying this, as I think it's important the supporters know, that despite the club having hardly any money, the manager was recently told to “go out and get whatever, whoever you need to give us a chance of league survival”. How the wages of these players were going to be met is unclear, but met they were to be and no doubt it would involve to some degree, the chairman and the directors coughing up out of their own pockets. But thus far, no more signings – see what I mean about frustrating!!!!

Because I honestly believe with at least another couple of experienced players in the team we would be capable of getting a run going, and that momentum would at least give us a fighting chance. Christ that was/is the chairman's plan – and we’d all settle for that. So frustrating because it’s almost within reach, yet we just can’t grasp the bloody thing. I was hoping things would be happening before Christmas (still am) because of the games with Bury and Darlington. Massive games if we’ve closed the gap at least a bit – and games we could win. Those teams just above us are pretty crap aren’t they and in terms of support we would slaughter them, especially away from home. Well all we can do is keep on hoping and keep everything crossed for an upturn in the fortunes of CUFC. We are due a bit of luck from the footballing gods and for the Blues to get to that Bury game and it mean something is not a lot to ask for is it? Hope all you boys and girls reading this are going to darkest Lancashire on Boxing Day. I’ve already heard of several folk, who really should know better, about how they won’t be going to Bury. Anyway what else you gonna do – watch the bloody Great Escape again on the telly! (yes pun intended) I’m going anyway so see yas all there! Maybe we’ll be watching the real great escape unfold! With my heart, I hope so!.

The impossible can happen – as I know personally – due to the fact that the 100 Years United video was actually completed and made available for the supporters of Carlisle United to see. Honestly never thought that day would happen. And if I felt that thought was tragic before it come out, and I did, then the feedback received from so many of you since it did come out, has rammed home that feeling. I have to say a heartfelt thank-you for all the nice, moving, funny, brilliant comments which have been sent my way concerning the video. Hoped it would go well obviously, but the reaction to it has left me stunned at times. After five f…….. years, you don’t know how much it’s meant to me. All I can say is thanks again – thanks for making it such an amazing success. And if you were one of the many who turned up for the launch/signing at WH Smiths, then special “cheers” go out to you. Being honest, me and Paul Bell on the way there were wondering, worrying if anyone would turn up. Well with close on 400 of you making the effort to do so, did I say stunned – and I wasn’t the only one. Respect of course to Hughie McILmoyle and John Courtenay for giving up their time and turning up with nothing but writers cramp to show for their efforts at the end of the day. Massive respect and fair play to the chairman for putting himself right in the front line as far as the fans are concerned. Given the current situation in the league, that took some bottle in my book. Everyone had a comment or a question but it was never nasty and JC answered them all. He’s got some enemies on this message board but that afternoon proved that they really are a tiny minority. And speaking of the MB, it was really nice to put a face to some of those who post on CUFC Online. The staff at Smiths commented on how good natured everyone was, despite a lengthy wait for some folks, and the manager (you made her day lads and lasses) said it was the most successful signing session they had ever had. What can I say? We are still a special football club and we’ve got some very special supporters.

One of the nicest comments someone made was about me being responsible for so many people opening presents on xmas day to find themselves with a video about Carlisle United. The thought of all those people thinking, feeling about CUFC on such a special day really does induce a hearty warm buzz. Can’t remember who exactly actually said it – but I hope your reading this. Thankyou.

So let me wish all who have any love, care, feeling or interest in Carlisle United Football Club all the compliments of the season. Have a great Christmas, you, we, deserve it. We’re in this together, we’re in the shit, we might as well stick together. What do you say?

Respect

Mick