Brunton Park Diary - January 2011
08/01/11 13:07
Jan 1st (Sat)
CARLISLE UNITED 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2
Craig Curran made a surprising return to the first team, it later being revealed that Zoko has been carrying an injury that has restricted his training. The ‘ginner’ ran around reasonably effectively but couldn’t prevent the Yorkshire club taking a two-nil lead early in the second half. Having come on for Grella a little earlier, Zoko’s header on 71 pulls one back before the comeback is complete with 8 remaining as Chester powers in a header from Berrett’s corner.
* Player Ratings: Collin 6.5, Simek 6.0, Robson 5.75, Chester 6.0, Michalik 6.25, Berrett 6.75, Grella 5.75, Taiwo 6.25, Madine 7.0 (star man), Marshall 6.5, Curran 5.25. Subs: Thirlwell 6.0, Zoko 7.0, Bowman 5.75
Jan 2nd (Sun)
Striker Nahki Wells (see 25/11 diary) puts his University course on hold and agrees a 5-month deal with Carlisle.
Jan 3rd (Mon)
Spot the Wirral connection; Chester is pulled out of the visit to Tranmere. More to the point, Sir Alex gives Abbott the information he didn’t want to hear with the news that James Chester will be permanently joining Hull City on a 2 and a half year deal with immediate effect.
The rumour mill suggests young striker Andy Cook will not be offered a new contract in the summer.
The Carlisle player with the most goals over the last 6 league games (three) is …. Zoko? Chester or Madine? No. Grella? Nope. Carlisle’s Darlo loanee Mark Bridge-scoring-goals-for-fun-Wilkinson is out on his own after a 25-yarder against Barrow.
TRANMERE ROVERS 2 CARLISLE UNITED 1
The run becomes a worrying 2 points from the last 15 as their disappointing run against relegation candidates continues. This time the team fails to hang on to a point it seemed to be destined for when Berrett equalised from Grella’s cross with just 12 minutes remaining. In a remarkable game of missed spot-kicks, Chester’s replacement Murphy blasted over the bar on 17 after a handball in the Rovers box. A puzzled Abbott later revealed that Berrett is and remains the club’s nominated penalty taker. After taking the lead just before half-time, Tranmere proceeded to be awarded two of their own; the first being well saved by Collin and the second producing an even better save as his fingertips deflected the goal-bound penalty onto the post. With the game entering the final 10 minutes, more ‘Blackburn owner’ (i.e. headless chicken) defending sees Thomas-Moore pounce on a loose ball within the box to score the winner.
* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 5, Robson 5, Murphy 4, Michalik 5, Berrett 4, Thirlwell 5, Taiwo 5, Madine 6, Marshall 8 (star man), Curran 5. Subs: Grella 7, Zoko 7.
Jan 4th (Tue)
Ashley Eastham’s brief and less than successful loan spell is brought to an end as he immediately takes up the offer of a similar loan at Cheltenham. His only appearance was in the FA Cup game against Tamworth, which elicited a home defensive performance wobblier than Dawn French’s backside.
No further news from the club is forthcoming on Mike Grella and Michalik’s loan spells, which were also due up on the 3rd. One future that is resolved however is Richard Offtoanothercareeriong after a mutual agreement is reached on the remainder of his contract as he is allowed to leave gratis.
Amongst several managers to receive the order of the boot during or immediately after the festive period is former gaffa Paul Simpson.
Smoggie hot shot Danny Graham reaches 75 appearances Watford and as such, nets Carlisle another £30,000 as the tribunal deal was for up to 5 such blocks for every 15 games. He’s now scored 30 goals in those games and netted the club £350,000 in transfer fees. Carlisle still have a 15% sell-on clause and a potential £200,000 if Watford get promoted either this season or next season.
Jan 5th (Wed)
Adam Murray departs Luton to join Mansfield following a successful loan spell thereby leaving only a few clubs left to tick off for a full suite of Conference teams. Forest’s former UK springboard champion Joe Garner is rumoured to be lined up with Barnsley following a less than successful loan spell with Huddersfield.
Jan 6th (Thu)
The noises around flying winger Ben Marshall and possibly a season long loan deal appear positive at this time according to the club.
After a record of 1 goal in 11 matches (6 starts, 5 as sub) across three months, the pulses are not exactly racing the same way over the Jason Price’s return from Bradford City.
Jan 7th (Fri)
Subject to verification, it would appear that Cruise’s loan spell has been extended.
* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
Jan 8th (Sat)
Ben Marshall’s loan spell is extended to the end of the season. I’ll be surprised if he can still find Stoke-on-Trent on a map by the time summer comes around.
BURNLEY YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH 0
A fine finish on 4 minutes and a defensive mistake on 37 put paid the youth team’s hopes of victory in a season that continues to disappoint. The youngsters however went on to dominate and create several good chances in the second half leaving that a feeling that a win is just around the corner.
TORQUAY UTD 1 CARLISLE UNITED 0 – F.A.CUP 3rd ROUND
The fact that the bookmakers made the Gulls the pre-match favourites hardly eases the pain of another disappointingly disjointed performance from the Blues that sees them crash out of the cup. Having to play skipper Thirlwell as a make-shift centre half exposed the lack of options available to the club and the faith (or not) in the reserves and youngsters supposedly pushing for a place in the first team.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 5, Cruise 3, Murphy 7, Thirlwell 6, Berrett 4, Taiwo 4, Madine 4, Robson 5, Zoko 2, Marshall 6 (star man), Subs: Curran 4, Hurst 3, Gbarssin 0.
Jan 10th (Mon)
Ooooh look, more loan players! Two 19 year-olds join on one-month temporary deals, Tom Cooper a defender with Hull who has been capped at Scotland U-19 level and Liam Noble, a “creative midlfielder” from Sunderland. They are both highly rated by their respective tea..… oh, who cares.
Jan 11th (Tue)
RANGERS RESERVES 2 CARLISLE UNITED RESERVES 0
Despite the result against a Rangers side made up of a mixture of first team players and reserve youngsters, it was a very useful run out for several fringe players including Livesey’s return from injury, MBW and Price in their first games since returning from their loan spells, Wells in his first game as a Carlisle player and new loan signing Tom Cooper. Amongst those was Michael Lee, a 20-year-old left back from Longford Town FC (League of Ireland first division) on trial until Saturday evening. Rangers had earlier missed a penalty in the fifth minute of the match as keeper Mark Gillespie beat the ball away but scored twice after the break.
Gillespie, McGlen, Livesey, Cooper (Swinglehurst), Lee (Potts), Gbarssin, Bridge-Wilkinson (Todd), Hurst, McKenna, Price (Cook), Wells (Towler).
Tom Cruise’s loan spell is now not extended following rumours to the contrary. It sounds rather like the slip against Torquay for their goal was the deal breaker.
It’s announced that media tart in waiting Gregg Abbott will be a panel guest at the launch of a new series of ‘Late Kick Off’ next Monday on BBC1 at 11.05pm.
Jan 12th (Wed)
The appropriately named Dale Minor signs Youth scholarship forms with United having being released by Burnley. The left-back had previously been on the books of Everton and had impressed while on trial in a friendly against Morecambe.
Jan 14th (Fri)
Carlisle beat off competition (or perhaps the ‘competition’ didn’t show up) to sign human brick outhouse Michalik on an 18-month deal after what many would consider an impressive loan period.
In one going the other way, forward Andy Cook leaves to join Barrow on a two-and-a-half year deal. Cook didn’t make a first-team appearance during his time at the club and is now deemed at the age where he should be playing regular, first-team football.
Sky Sports report that Reading left-back Marcus Williams has turned down an initial one-month loan at the mighty Blues.
Two former players on the move include Paul Reid, still only 28, who finds himself back in the Championship (….. for six more months) after a £100,000 bid from Scunthorpe secures a move from Colchester (next stop Hartlepool?). Corry Evans, whose only appearance was in a 1-1 draw at next day’s opponents Rovers, joins Hull City on a 6-month loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Jan 15th (Sat)
After a very successful number of months on loan at Blyth Spartans, young keeper Mark Gillespie returns to progress his tuition with Collin and Caigy.
Things are going well for Vince Pericard down at Swindon. In a game where they lost 0-1 at home to strugglers Yeovil, he was booed coming ON to the pitch! Even the Paddock allows a player 5 minutes grace before the moaning starts…..
Gary Madine’s move to Sheffield Wednesday is made public just 48 hours after the discussions had commenced as he signs a four-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee, rumoured by the majority to be £500,000 rising to £800,000 in the form of potential add ons. Previous summer target Paul Heffernan, now with the Owls, is rumoured to be moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
CARLISLE UTD 4 BRISTOL ROVERS 0
Helped by the sending off of Rovers’ Danny Coles on 61 after a two-footed lunge on Zoko, a strong performance played in atrocious conditions eases the Cumbrians up two places in the league to 14th. A new-look defence with Murphy moving across to left-back and Michalik partnering assured new-boy Tom Cooper in the middle had a few shaky moments in the first 45 but as their understanding improved, so did the rest of the team. Berrett netted two penalties, the first on 44 following a handball and the second on 81 after man-of-the-match Marshall was brought down. In between, Curran finished well from Berrett’s slide rule pass on 57 and Cooper scored on his debut with a header on 73. One of the key decisive points was the. There was also time for the crowd to see Noble and Wells making their debuts and as Andy Hall pointed out, it was possibly the most cosmopolitan Carlisle United team ever with a Scotsman, an American, a Slovakian, an Ivorian, a Frenchman and a Bermudan representing the side.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5.5, Simek 6.17, Murphy 6.67, Cooper 7.58, Michalik 7.25, Berrett 8.17, Thirlwell 7.83, Taiwo 6.67, Zoko 6.67 , Curran 8.0, Marshall 9.0 (star man).
Jan 17th (Mon)
Mutual agreement is reached with one of the Blues’ most profitable replica shirt names in recent years as 31 year-old MBW is released from his agreement and returns to Darlo on an 18-month contract.
Jan 18th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 4 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 - JPT NORTHERN SECTION FINAL FIRST-LEG
Gary who? We’ll have to sell our leading goal scorer more often after a rampant Carlisle netted their eighth goal in the space of 4 days without reply not to mention sixth against Huddersfield following the recent comeback in the league. Marshall, Taiwo, Murphy and Marshall were on the score sheet this time making it seven unique players celebrating the locating of the onion bag over the two games. Noble impressed on his first start for the club after Thirlwell pulled out with a niggle and the reporter from Sky was salivating over the likes of Zoko, one of the few to surprisingly miss out on the goal fest from
* Player Ratings: Collin 6.83, Simek 7.00, Murphy 7.83, Cooper 8.25, Michalik 8.50, Berrett 7.92, Noble 7.75, Taiwo 8.33, Zoko 8.75 (star man), Curran 7.67, Marshall 8.33.
* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
Jan 20th (Thu)
Grella decides to join SPL side Motherwell on loan until the end of the season citing the wish to try something different.
Aldershot sign former Blue-defender Simon Grand on loan from Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.
Grand now 26, has recently completed a loan spell at Mansfield and joins new Shots manager Dean Holdsworth, another former Carlisle player.
There are rumours that Donny have been scouting Tom Taiwo with a view to a possible move.
Jan 21st (Fri)
It’s confirmed that the Promotion Play-Off finals for League 1 and 2 will be held at Old Trafford this year.
After an excellent first full appearance, Noble has been given permission to extend his initial months’ loan until the end of the season.
Grella’s proposed move north of the border falls through after being stopped and barred from going over the wall by a group of vigilante Carlisle fans the SFA refused to sanction the loan deal because Grella had already played for Leeds and Carlisle this season. FIFA rules stipulate a player can be registered to three clubs in the course of a season but can only play for two in cases involving an international transfer as in this instance.
Jan 22nd (Sat)
NOTTS. COUNTY 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
United’s first but hopefully not last double of the season was achieved with a well-fought win on an appalling pitch and a referee of equal standing. Taking nothing away from the team, County looked like a side who were trying to save themselves for next week and a big day in the limelight against Man. City.
* Player Ratings: Collin 7.75, Simek 7.13, Murphy 7.63, Cooper 7.13, Michalik 8.50 (star man), Berrett 7.00, Noble 7.25, Taiwo 7.25, Zoko 7.88, Curran 6.75, Marshall 7.75.
Jan 27th (Thu)
Joe Dudgeon will have the opportunity to keep League One forwards well shackled after moving to Carlisle until the end of the season. As Greg and Sir Alex slowly work their way through the Red Devil’s Reserve team squad, Dudgeon is a versatile defender who can play both left-back and centre-half with ‘a bit of a throw’. The 20 year-old has also represented N.Ireland at U-21 level.
Rumours on the Crewe Alex. messageboard suggest a £120,000 move for forward Clayton Donaldson.
Jan 28th (Fri)
Having played and scored twice for Rangers against Carlisle in the friendly just 17 days earlier and trained down at Brunton Park all week, 22 year-old striker Rory Loy finds himself swapping jerseys again; this time on a permanent basis. Loy has played 10 games for the Gers with one sub appearance this season having been snapped up as a youngster from Kilmarnock. His 2009 loan spell at Dunfermline saw him net 3 times from 23 games although many of those were from the wing.
Having had only token involvement through the season, it’s with no surprise that Kevan Hurst is allowed to seek first team football with Morecambe until the end of the season. Let’s hope he stays off the candy floss, chips and other goodies or we’ll never get him back in any shape. Soft Cell once sang “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” and no better tune fits Jason Price’s the season having only just found and unpacked his bags from Bradford. Walsall proves to be his next destination in their fight against relegation as he goes on to galvanise the team to a 6-1 shoeing of Bristol Rovers a day later.
Jan 29th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 2 OLDHAM ATH. 2
Carlisle recovered from a shocking first half that could have seen them 3 or 4 down to fight back and earn a point against a spirited Oldham side. Dudgeon practically throws the ball into the net with one of his first attempts as the spirit of Rory lives on.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5.17, Simek 4.67, Murphy 5.33, Cooper 5.33, Michalik 4.33, Berrett 6.17, Noble 4.83, Taiwo 5.00, Zoko 5.67, Curran 6.00, Marshall 5.67. Subs: Thirlwell 6.67 (star man), Dudgeon 6.33, Robson 5.33
Jan 30th (Sun)
Marco G’bage signs for the rest of the season having been on a 1-month deal. Perhaps the Torquay cameo was a one-off after all.
Jan 31st (Mon)
Twenty year-old Bohemians striker ‘Paddy’ Madden, not to be confused with Irish tour company Paddywagon, signs on the dotted line for an undisclosed fee on a contract until 2013. The fleet-footed forward has represented Eire up to U-23 level and was rumoured to be sought by of a host of other clubs including Derby, Celtic, Millwall and Burnley. Even former team mate of Shrek (Brian Shelley) didn’t dissuade him from joining the Blues.
Perhaps a little surprisingly given the lack of options there, ex-Blackburn defender Tony Kane is mutually released from his contract to allow him to go back to Ireland in search of a club having made just a handful of appearances in his time at the club.
A number of former players on some would say hard times, are on the move. Joe Garner will be tumbling and falling over at Glanford Park Scunny for the remainder of the season on loan from Forest. Scott Dobie’s knobbly knees will be similarly knocking around Valley Parade for Bradford having only made 5 appearances for St. Johnstone after being told that he won’t be offered a new deal. Der-der-der-der Simon Hackney tries to resurrect his faltering career with a loan move from Colchester to Oxford. They are all still luckier than Danny Carlton who after only two starts in an injury-plagued 18 months, is released by Bury.
Ian Ashbee’s surprise transfer request and move from Hull City to Preston potentially lessens the prospect of Cooper remaining on loan for the remainder of the season.
CARLISLE UNITED 2 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 2
Craig Curran made a surprising return to the first team, it later being revealed that Zoko has been carrying an injury that has restricted his training. The ‘ginner’ ran around reasonably effectively but couldn’t prevent the Yorkshire club taking a two-nil lead early in the second half. Having come on for Grella a little earlier, Zoko’s header on 71 pulls one back before the comeback is complete with 8 remaining as Chester powers in a header from Berrett’s corner.
* Player Ratings: Collin 6.5, Simek 6.0, Robson 5.75, Chester 6.0, Michalik 6.25, Berrett 6.75, Grella 5.75, Taiwo 6.25, Madine 7.0 (star man), Marshall 6.5, Curran 5.25. Subs: Thirlwell 6.0, Zoko 7.0, Bowman 5.75
Jan 2nd (Sun)
Striker Nahki Wells (see 25/11 diary) puts his University course on hold and agrees a 5-month deal with Carlisle.
Jan 3rd (Mon)
Spot the Wirral connection; Chester is pulled out of the visit to Tranmere. More to the point, Sir Alex gives Abbott the information he didn’t want to hear with the news that James Chester will be permanently joining Hull City on a 2 and a half year deal with immediate effect.
The rumour mill suggests young striker Andy Cook will not be offered a new contract in the summer.
The Carlisle player with the most goals over the last 6 league games (three) is …. Zoko? Chester or Madine? No. Grella? Nope. Carlisle’s Darlo loanee Mark Bridge-scoring-goals-for-fun-Wilkinson is out on his own after a 25-yarder against Barrow.
TRANMERE ROVERS 2 CARLISLE UNITED 1
The run becomes a worrying 2 points from the last 15 as their disappointing run against relegation candidates continues. This time the team fails to hang on to a point it seemed to be destined for when Berrett equalised from Grella’s cross with just 12 minutes remaining. In a remarkable game of missed spot-kicks, Chester’s replacement Murphy blasted over the bar on 17 after a handball in the Rovers box. A puzzled Abbott later revealed that Berrett is and remains the club’s nominated penalty taker. After taking the lead just before half-time, Tranmere proceeded to be awarded two of their own; the first being well saved by Collin and the second producing an even better save as his fingertips deflected the goal-bound penalty onto the post. With the game entering the final 10 minutes, more ‘Blackburn owner’ (i.e. headless chicken) defending sees Thomas-Moore pounce on a loose ball within the box to score the winner.
* Player Ratings: Collin 7, Simek 5, Robson 5, Murphy 4, Michalik 5, Berrett 4, Thirlwell 5, Taiwo 5, Madine 6, Marshall 8 (star man), Curran 5. Subs: Grella 7, Zoko 7.
Jan 4th (Tue)
Ashley Eastham’s brief and less than successful loan spell is brought to an end as he immediately takes up the offer of a similar loan at Cheltenham. His only appearance was in the FA Cup game against Tamworth, which elicited a home defensive performance wobblier than Dawn French’s backside.
No further news from the club is forthcoming on Mike Grella and Michalik’s loan spells, which were also due up on the 3rd. One future that is resolved however is Richard Offtoanothercareeriong after a mutual agreement is reached on the remainder of his contract as he is allowed to leave gratis.
Amongst several managers to receive the order of the boot during or immediately after the festive period is former gaffa Paul Simpson.
Smoggie hot shot Danny Graham reaches 75 appearances Watford and as such, nets Carlisle another £30,000 as the tribunal deal was for up to 5 such blocks for every 15 games. He’s now scored 30 goals in those games and netted the club £350,000 in transfer fees. Carlisle still have a 15% sell-on clause and a potential £200,000 if Watford get promoted either this season or next season.
Jan 5th (Wed)
Adam Murray departs Luton to join Mansfield following a successful loan spell thereby leaving only a few clubs left to tick off for a full suite of Conference teams. Forest’s former UK springboard champion Joe Garner is rumoured to be lined up with Barnsley following a less than successful loan spell with Huddersfield.
Jan 6th (Thu)
The noises around flying winger Ben Marshall and possibly a season long loan deal appear positive at this time according to the club.
After a record of 1 goal in 11 matches (6 starts, 5 as sub) across three months, the pulses are not exactly racing the same way over the Jason Price’s return from Bradford City.
Jan 7th (Fri)
Subject to verification, it would appear that Cruise’s loan spell has been extended.
* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
Jan 8th (Sat)
Ben Marshall’s loan spell is extended to the end of the season. I’ll be surprised if he can still find Stoke-on-Trent on a map by the time summer comes around.
BURNLEY YOUTH 2 CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH 0
A fine finish on 4 minutes and a defensive mistake on 37 put paid the youth team’s hopes of victory in a season that continues to disappoint. The youngsters however went on to dominate and create several good chances in the second half leaving that a feeling that a win is just around the corner.
TORQUAY UTD 1 CARLISLE UNITED 0 – F.A.CUP 3rd ROUND
The fact that the bookmakers made the Gulls the pre-match favourites hardly eases the pain of another disappointingly disjointed performance from the Blues that sees them crash out of the cup. Having to play skipper Thirlwell as a make-shift centre half exposed the lack of options available to the club and the faith (or not) in the reserves and youngsters supposedly pushing for a place in the first team.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5, Simek 5, Cruise 3, Murphy 7, Thirlwell 6, Berrett 4, Taiwo 4, Madine 4, Robson 5, Zoko 2, Marshall 6 (star man), Subs: Curran 4, Hurst 3, Gbarssin 0.
Jan 10th (Mon)
Ooooh look, more loan players! Two 19 year-olds join on one-month temporary deals, Tom Cooper a defender with Hull who has been capped at Scotland U-19 level and Liam Noble, a “creative midlfielder” from Sunderland. They are both highly rated by their respective tea..… oh, who cares.
Jan 11th (Tue)
RANGERS RESERVES 2 CARLISLE UNITED RESERVES 0
Despite the result against a Rangers side made up of a mixture of first team players and reserve youngsters, it was a very useful run out for several fringe players including Livesey’s return from injury, MBW and Price in their first games since returning from their loan spells, Wells in his first game as a Carlisle player and new loan signing Tom Cooper. Amongst those was Michael Lee, a 20-year-old left back from Longford Town FC (League of Ireland first division) on trial until Saturday evening. Rangers had earlier missed a penalty in the fifth minute of the match as keeper Mark Gillespie beat the ball away but scored twice after the break.
Gillespie, McGlen, Livesey, Cooper (Swinglehurst), Lee (Potts), Gbarssin, Bridge-Wilkinson (Todd), Hurst, McKenna, Price (Cook), Wells (Towler).
Tom Cruise’s loan spell is now not extended following rumours to the contrary. It sounds rather like the slip against Torquay for their goal was the deal breaker.
It’s announced that media tart in waiting Gregg Abbott will be a panel guest at the launch of a new series of ‘Late Kick Off’ next Monday on BBC1 at 11.05pm.
Jan 12th (Wed)
The appropriately named Dale Minor signs Youth scholarship forms with United having being released by Burnley. The left-back had previously been on the books of Everton and had impressed while on trial in a friendly against Morecambe.
Jan 14th (Fri)
Carlisle beat off competition (or perhaps the ‘competition’ didn’t show up) to sign human brick outhouse Michalik on an 18-month deal after what many would consider an impressive loan period.
In one going the other way, forward Andy Cook leaves to join Barrow on a two-and-a-half year deal. Cook didn’t make a first-team appearance during his time at the club and is now deemed at the age where he should be playing regular, first-team football.
Sky Sports report that Reading left-back Marcus Williams has turned down an initial one-month loan at the mighty Blues.
Two former players on the move include Paul Reid, still only 28, who finds himself back in the Championship (….. for six more months) after a £100,000 bid from Scunthorpe secures a move from Colchester (next stop Hartlepool?). Corry Evans, whose only appearance was in a 1-1 draw at next day’s opponents Rovers, joins Hull City on a 6-month loan with a view to a permanent deal.
Jan 15th (Sat)
After a very successful number of months on loan at Blyth Spartans, young keeper Mark Gillespie returns to progress his tuition with Collin and Caigy.
Things are going well for Vince Pericard down at Swindon. In a game where they lost 0-1 at home to strugglers Yeovil, he was booed coming ON to the pitch! Even the Paddock allows a player 5 minutes grace before the moaning starts…..
Gary Madine’s move to Sheffield Wednesday is made public just 48 hours after the discussions had commenced as he signs a four-and-a-half year contract for an undisclosed fee, rumoured by the majority to be £500,000 rising to £800,000 in the form of potential add ons. Previous summer target Paul Heffernan, now with the Owls, is rumoured to be moving in the opposite direction as part of the deal.
CARLISLE UTD 4 BRISTOL ROVERS 0
Helped by the sending off of Rovers’ Danny Coles on 61 after a two-footed lunge on Zoko, a strong performance played in atrocious conditions eases the Cumbrians up two places in the league to 14th. A new-look defence with Murphy moving across to left-back and Michalik partnering assured new-boy Tom Cooper in the middle had a few shaky moments in the first 45 but as their understanding improved, so did the rest of the team. Berrett netted two penalties, the first on 44 following a handball and the second on 81 after man-of-the-match Marshall was brought down. In between, Curran finished well from Berrett’s slide rule pass on 57 and Cooper scored on his debut with a header on 73. One of the key decisive points was the. There was also time for the crowd to see Noble and Wells making their debuts and as Andy Hall pointed out, it was possibly the most cosmopolitan Carlisle United team ever with a Scotsman, an American, a Slovakian, an Ivorian, a Frenchman and a Bermudan representing the side.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5.5, Simek 6.17, Murphy 6.67, Cooper 7.58, Michalik 7.25, Berrett 8.17, Thirlwell 7.83, Taiwo 6.67, Zoko 6.67 , Curran 8.0, Marshall 9.0 (star man).
Jan 17th (Mon)
Mutual agreement is reached with one of the Blues’ most profitable replica shirt names in recent years as 31 year-old MBW is released from his agreement and returns to Darlo on an 18-month contract.
Jan 18th (Tue)
CARLISLE UTD 4 HUDDERSFIELD TOWN 0 - JPT NORTHERN SECTION FINAL FIRST-LEG
Gary who? We’ll have to sell our leading goal scorer more often after a rampant Carlisle netted their eighth goal in the space of 4 days without reply not to mention sixth against Huddersfield following the recent comeback in the league. Marshall, Taiwo, Murphy and Marshall were on the score sheet this time making it seven unique players celebrating the locating of the onion bag over the two games. Noble impressed on his first start for the club after Thirlwell pulled out with a niggle and the reporter from Sky was salivating over the likes of Zoko, one of the few to surprisingly miss out on the goal fest from
* Player Ratings: Collin 6.83, Simek 7.00, Murphy 7.83, Cooper 8.25, Michalik 8.50, Berrett 7.92, Noble 7.75, Taiwo 8.33, Zoko 8.75 (star man), Curran 7.67, Marshall 8.33.
* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.
Jan 20th (Thu)
Grella decides to join SPL side Motherwell on loan until the end of the season citing the wish to try something different.
Aldershot sign former Blue-defender Simon Grand on loan from Fleetwood Town for the rest of the season.
Grand now 26, has recently completed a loan spell at Mansfield and joins new Shots manager Dean Holdsworth, another former Carlisle player.
There are rumours that Donny have been scouting Tom Taiwo with a view to a possible move.
Jan 21st (Fri)
It’s confirmed that the Promotion Play-Off finals for League 1 and 2 will be held at Old Trafford this year.
After an excellent first full appearance, Noble has been given permission to extend his initial months’ loan until the end of the season.
Grella’s proposed move north of the border falls through after being stopped and barred from going over the wall by a group of vigilante Carlisle fans the SFA refused to sanction the loan deal because Grella had already played for Leeds and Carlisle this season. FIFA rules stipulate a player can be registered to three clubs in the course of a season but can only play for two in cases involving an international transfer as in this instance.
Jan 22nd (Sat)
NOTTS. COUNTY 0 CARLISLE UTD 1
United’s first but hopefully not last double of the season was achieved with a well-fought win on an appalling pitch and a referee of equal standing. Taking nothing away from the team, County looked like a side who were trying to save themselves for next week and a big day in the limelight against Man. City.
* Player Ratings: Collin 7.75, Simek 7.13, Murphy 7.63, Cooper 7.13, Michalik 8.50 (star man), Berrett 7.00, Noble 7.25, Taiwo 7.25, Zoko 7.88, Curran 6.75, Marshall 7.75.
Jan 27th (Thu)
Joe Dudgeon will have the opportunity to keep League One forwards well shackled after moving to Carlisle until the end of the season. As Greg and Sir Alex slowly work their way through the Red Devil’s Reserve team squad, Dudgeon is a versatile defender who can play both left-back and centre-half with ‘a bit of a throw’. The 20 year-old has also represented N.Ireland at U-21 level.
Rumours on the Crewe Alex. messageboard suggest a £120,000 move for forward Clayton Donaldson.
Jan 28th (Fri)
Having played and scored twice for Rangers against Carlisle in the friendly just 17 days earlier and trained down at Brunton Park all week, 22 year-old striker Rory Loy finds himself swapping jerseys again; this time on a permanent basis. Loy has played 10 games for the Gers with one sub appearance this season having been snapped up as a youngster from Kilmarnock. His 2009 loan spell at Dunfermline saw him net 3 times from 23 games although many of those were from the wing.
Having had only token involvement through the season, it’s with no surprise that Kevan Hurst is allowed to seek first team football with Morecambe until the end of the season. Let’s hope he stays off the candy floss, chips and other goodies or we’ll never get him back in any shape. Soft Cell once sang “Say Hello Wave Goodbye” and no better tune fits Jason Price’s the season having only just found and unpacked his bags from Bradford. Walsall proves to be his next destination in their fight against relegation as he goes on to galvanise the team to a 6-1 shoeing of Bristol Rovers a day later.
Jan 29th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD 2 OLDHAM ATH. 2
Carlisle recovered from a shocking first half that could have seen them 3 or 4 down to fight back and earn a point against a spirited Oldham side. Dudgeon practically throws the ball into the net with one of his first attempts as the spirit of Rory lives on.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5.17, Simek 4.67, Murphy 5.33, Cooper 5.33, Michalik 4.33, Berrett 6.17, Noble 4.83, Taiwo 5.00, Zoko 5.67, Curran 6.00, Marshall 5.67. Subs: Thirlwell 6.67 (star man), Dudgeon 6.33, Robson 5.33
Jan 30th (Sun)
Marco G’bage signs for the rest of the season having been on a 1-month deal. Perhaps the Torquay cameo was a one-off after all.
Jan 31st (Mon)
Twenty year-old Bohemians striker ‘Paddy’ Madden, not to be confused with Irish tour company Paddywagon, signs on the dotted line for an undisclosed fee on a contract until 2013. The fleet-footed forward has represented Eire up to U-23 level and was rumoured to be sought by of a host of other clubs including Derby, Celtic, Millwall and Burnley. Even former team mate of Shrek (Brian Shelley) didn’t dissuade him from joining the Blues.
Perhaps a little surprisingly given the lack of options there, ex-Blackburn defender Tony Kane is mutually released from his contract to allow him to go back to Ireland in search of a club having made just a handful of appearances in his time at the club.
A number of former players on some would say hard times, are on the move. Joe Garner will be tumbling and falling over at Glanford Park Scunny for the remainder of the season on loan from Forest. Scott Dobie’s knobbly knees will be similarly knocking around Valley Parade for Bradford having only made 5 appearances for St. Johnstone after being told that he won’t be offered a new deal. Der-der-der-der Simon Hackney tries to resurrect his faltering career with a loan move from Colchester to Oxford. They are all still luckier than Danny Carlton who after only two starts in an injury-plagued 18 months, is released by Bury.
Ian Ashbee’s surprise transfer request and move from Hull City to Preston potentially lessens the prospect of Cooper remaining on loan for the remainder of the season.
Brunton Park Diary - December 2010
08/01/11 13:06
Dec 6th (Mon)
Tom Cruise will be wearing the blue of Carlisle rather than his aviator jacket for a further month.
Dec 11th (Sat)
CARLISLE UNITED 0 DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 2
Well what chance did we stand against two teams? The same side that had previously swept aside Sheffield Wednesday was out fought and out played over the 90 minutes even though it took two late goals to settle the match.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5.4, Simek 5.0, Cruise 4.6, Chester 5.7, Michalik 5.2, Berrett 5.0, Thirlwell 5.8, Taiwo 5.0, Zoko 5.0 , Madine 6.0, Marshall 6.8 (star man).
Dec 14th (Tue)
Zoko signs an extension to his present deal that ties him to the club until the end of the 2011/2 season.
This now leaves the following players out of contract at the end of the season at time of writing:
Ryan Bowman, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Andy Cook, Mark Gillespie, Kevan Hurst, Tony Kane, Sean McDaid (with further one year option), Peter Murphy, Richard Offiong (with further one year option), Jason Price, Matty Robson and Paul Thirlwell.
Dec 15th (Wed)
The early signs are that Michalik remains interested in a longer spell at the club following an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria.
"I'm here until 3 January, if I can stay I will. In my opinion I have no big future at Leeds, but you never know. I'm playing games, which is the most important thing for me. Maybe I would be happier to stay here."
The JPT Southern Final first leg between Brentford v Exeter and held right in the centre of Sky’s empire is surprise, surprise chosen to be the televised game . Following their win at Tranmere, Carlisle will have to win over two games against Huddersfield to get to Wembley with the first tie played week commencing January 17th at Brunton Park.
Dec 17th (Fri)
The big freeze descends on Britain with the planned trip to Yeovil called off while the team was training at their half-way house in Stoke. The match will now be played on Tuesday, March 29th, just a few days ahead of the potential JPT final at Wembley.
Dec 26th (Sun)
Away to Oldham also bites the dust with the game being rearranged for Tuesday, February 15th.
Dec 28th (Tue)
The planned home game against Exeter is another victim of the weather, although not helped by the idiocy of the festive period fixture list. The game will now be played on Tuesday, February 22nd.
Dec 30th (Thu)
More Comminges and goings at the club. What’s good enough for Guadeloupe clearly isn’t good enough for Carlisle as they decide not to offer a permanent deal to Miguel stating that he wouldn’t improve the present squad.
Dec 31st (Fri)
For those that thought Gbarssin was a neighbouring planet to Endor in the Star Wars universe, think again. He’s in fact the latest midfielder to join the club as Marc-Antoine Gbarssin to give him his full name agrees a one-month contract in principle following a successful three-week trial at the club. The 26-year old Frenchman, who recently left Danish side FC Fredericia after his short-term contract at the club came to an end was previously something of a rising star at Royal Antwerp before injury and a contract dispute led to a couple of lost years within his football career.
Tom Cruise will be wearing the blue of Carlisle rather than his aviator jacket for a further month.
Dec 11th (Sat)
CARLISLE UNITED 0 DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE 2
Well what chance did we stand against two teams? The same side that had previously swept aside Sheffield Wednesday was out fought and out played over the 90 minutes even though it took two late goals to settle the match.
* Player Ratings: Collin 5.4, Simek 5.0, Cruise 4.6, Chester 5.7, Michalik 5.2, Berrett 5.0, Thirlwell 5.8, Taiwo 5.0, Zoko 5.0 , Madine 6.0, Marshall 6.8 (star man).
Dec 14th (Tue)
Zoko signs an extension to his present deal that ties him to the club until the end of the 2011/2 season.
This now leaves the following players out of contract at the end of the season at time of writing:
Ryan Bowman, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, Andy Cook, Mark Gillespie, Kevan Hurst, Tony Kane, Sean McDaid (with further one year option), Peter Murphy, Richard Offiong (with further one year option), Jason Price, Matty Robson and Paul Thirlwell.
Dec 15th (Wed)
The early signs are that Michalik remains interested in a longer spell at the club following an interview with BBC Radio Cumbria.
"I'm here until 3 January, if I can stay I will. In my opinion I have no big future at Leeds, but you never know. I'm playing games, which is the most important thing for me. Maybe I would be happier to stay here."
The JPT Southern Final first leg between Brentford v Exeter and held right in the centre of Sky’s empire is surprise, surprise chosen to be the televised game . Following their win at Tranmere, Carlisle will have to win over two games against Huddersfield to get to Wembley with the first tie played week commencing January 17th at Brunton Park.
Dec 17th (Fri)
The big freeze descends on Britain with the planned trip to Yeovil called off while the team was training at their half-way house in Stoke. The match will now be played on Tuesday, March 29th, just a few days ahead of the potential JPT final at Wembley.
Dec 26th (Sun)
Away to Oldham also bites the dust with the game being rearranged for Tuesday, February 15th.
Dec 28th (Tue)
The planned home game against Exeter is another victim of the weather, although not helped by the idiocy of the festive period fixture list. The game will now be played on Tuesday, February 22nd.
Dec 30th (Thu)
More Comminges and goings at the club. What’s good enough for Guadeloupe clearly isn’t good enough for Carlisle as they decide not to offer a permanent deal to Miguel stating that he wouldn’t improve the present squad.
Dec 31st (Fri)
For those that thought Gbarssin was a neighbouring planet to Endor in the Star Wars universe, think again. He’s in fact the latest midfielder to join the club as Marc-Antoine Gbarssin to give him his full name agrees a one-month contract in principle following a successful three-week trial at the club. The 26-year old Frenchman, who recently left Danish side FC Fredericia after his short-term contract at the club came to an end was previously something of a rising star at Royal Antwerp before injury and a contract dispute led to a couple of lost years within his football career.