Alan Steel and Dick Young are the guys I'm referring too. Most fans know of Alan now and while he's up and at em and in your face approach has ruffled more than a few feathers, folks just could not even begin to imagine how much time and determined effort he has put in along the way. But without such a 'steely (no pun intended) resolve and will to succeed the battle with a certain former chairman may have not been won. Because believe me Mr Steel had just about every trick in the book thrown up and at him to try and break his resolve. He won't want me to go into too much detail but suffice to say some of it got very personal and it would have stopped many in their tracks, myself included! There must have been times when even he wondered if it was worth it (you know in the end Alan was getting abuse and threats of legal action on an almost daily basis over the phone from a member of the board of another football club - and not Carlisle United) but if it did bother him he certainly never let it show. Yes at times perhaps Alan did verbally shoot from the hip where certain people/issues were concerned but one other thing I learned through constant communication over a fair period of time was just how much the bloke actually knew of - but kept quiet about. And we're not talking tittle, tattle here either. Again it ain't really possible to get too personal but I will say this because CUFC fans should know about it. The battle - and lets be honest it became a rather titanic struggle in the end - was one which was never going to be lost. Because Alan, Dick and a few devoted others were always ready with a plan B if plan A failed. Always one step ahead and when I think of some of the 'substitutes' they had on the CCUIST bench who didn't even get to make an appearance, well the opposition never really stood a chance. (Perhaps we'll go out for a few beers and then a curry before Christmas to celebrate fellas eh!) The biggest compliment I can give Dick Young is that his old dad - former CUFC manager and trainer - would have been proud of his efforts on behalf of Carlisle United. Along with Alan, Dick has done more than anyone from day one to maintain the CCUIST momentum - and there were times when it's fair to say that momentum did 'stutter' and it was no easy task to keep the pace of the cause going. Only once did I see Dick seem a little dejected, when one idiot in a local pub insisted, "it's all a waste of time, nowt will come of it." Are you are a Carlisle fan?" this bloke was asked. He was and I feel it was a fair comment when Dick replied, "Well, what are you doing about it? This club might die, but if it does at least we tried to stop it happening". And I tell you what Dick - bet you that bloke was at the Hartlepool game! Both these guys have families and jobs you know, and yet both have put the future of Carlisle United Football Club first for about two years now! They And yet despite what has been achieved, in a sense the hard work starts now. As Dick Young admits, "There is a danger of people thinking success has been achieved. But it's now more important than ever to keep the trusts momentum going." Let's be clear about one thing. A battle for control of our football club, which became intense, bitter and downright ugly sometimes - was a battle won in so many ways due to the actions and effort of CCUIST, both publically, and perhaps more importantly, behind the scenes many times. Now our new owner from the Emerald Isle has kept his promise and CUFC will have a supporter on the board. The rest of us need to do our bit if the club is to go forward. Local businesses, companies can play a big part through sponsorship etc and it's vital that they do if United are to make progress. And for the fans let me also stress that we must not make the mistake of thinking we have 'made it'. If we want a successful league team in god's own county then not only does the momentum have to be kept going, it needs to be built on. So join CCUIST, join the supporters club, buy a pint in the Brunton bar, a shirt in the club shop, it all helps and in my opinion it's not a lot to ask for this special football team we are very proud to support! So cheers and respect to CCUIST - and that message board 'wag' need not worry - I'm sure they will organise another golf day soon! Finally to everyone at Carlisle United Football Club - and Blues fans wherever your reading this from in the world - compliments of the season to you all. Hope you have a cracking Christmas (chuffing well hope the game is ON this Boxing Day) and I also hope you get everything you wish for in the New Year! Respect Mick Mitchell |
