Chairman's Craic
20/12/08 14:55
Congratulations to Greg Abbott on his appointment as new manager. I think he has shown enough to be given a chance. I admire the way that he has been decisive in moving players on who were below the grade. The return of Peter Murphy and Michael Bridges improves the team and the loan signings in the main have seen us put out better teams. Let’s hope it is just a question of time before results start to improve.
I hope the board backs him in the January transfer window and we can make some permanent signings. I am not comfortable with loan signings and in fact I think it’s one area of the game that should be reviewed.
The two trips to Grays were enjoyable experiences. I found those involved in running the club a great bunch of people. I experienced two new things at the games. The floodlight failure – how bizarre was the timing and the fact that they asked over the tannoy if there was an electrician in the ground ! The MBW penalty in the second game – we all forgot the rule until the ref blew his whistle.
Where have all the discounted advanced purchase tickets gone? I wonder if it’s the credit crunch but there are very few grounds where tickets are cheaper if bought in advance. I always buy mine from CUFC in any case as they keep 5% of all monies. Every little counts. One thing I have stopped buying is away programmes. I just never have time to read them. In fact I am embarking on selling a large piece of my collection.
After a quick weekend back home to deliver Christmas presents (nothing to do with the Leicester game ) it will be all stations go for the Northampton game the following Saturday . We have a busy day. It’s an early train (which will be tough after my work Christmas party) to play in the supporters match kicking off at 10.30 am. I guarantee it will be wet and cold but a good craic. We will meet up with the other supporters for a couple of beers before the main game. I estimate getting back home 14 hours after leaving. Who says Southern based Carlisle fans have it easy !
It’s winter but we are planning our Branch summer trip and we’ve decided to go to Cologne. Websites are being checked for deals and routes. I’m told by a train enthusiast that you can do the journey by rail. Details on how to join us are in this mag.
There is also some advanced planning to be done as to how we can best celebrate our 35th anniversary and the 250th issue of HTB, both of which will be during next year. In fact 2009 promises to be a great year, as we will end this season by sponsoring the last game of the season against our friends from Millwall.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a successful new year.
Simon Clarkson
I hope the board backs him in the January transfer window and we can make some permanent signings. I am not comfortable with loan signings and in fact I think it’s one area of the game that should be reviewed.
The two trips to Grays were enjoyable experiences. I found those involved in running the club a great bunch of people. I experienced two new things at the games. The floodlight failure – how bizarre was the timing and the fact that they asked over the tannoy if there was an electrician in the ground ! The MBW penalty in the second game – we all forgot the rule until the ref blew his whistle.
Where have all the discounted advanced purchase tickets gone? I wonder if it’s the credit crunch but there are very few grounds where tickets are cheaper if bought in advance. I always buy mine from CUFC in any case as they keep 5% of all monies. Every little counts. One thing I have stopped buying is away programmes. I just never have time to read them. In fact I am embarking on selling a large piece of my collection.
After a quick weekend back home to deliver Christmas presents (nothing to do with the Leicester game ) it will be all stations go for the Northampton game the following Saturday . We have a busy day. It’s an early train (which will be tough after my work Christmas party) to play in the supporters match kicking off at 10.30 am. I guarantee it will be wet and cold but a good craic. We will meet up with the other supporters for a couple of beers before the main game. I estimate getting back home 14 hours after leaving. Who says Southern based Carlisle fans have it easy !
It’s winter but we are planning our Branch summer trip and we’ve decided to go to Cologne. Websites are being checked for deals and routes. I’m told by a train enthusiast that you can do the journey by rail. Details on how to join us are in this mag.
There is also some advanced planning to be done as to how we can best celebrate our 35th anniversary and the 250th issue of HTB, both of which will be during next year. In fact 2009 promises to be a great year, as we will end this season by sponsoring the last game of the season against our friends from Millwall.
I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a successful new year.
Simon Clarkson