Two much improved performances that should have boosted confidence ahead of the trip to fortress Elland Road on Tuesday.

You can get extended highlights on the Pompey website of that game. It seems a fair enough reflection of game & does show our chances.

http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/index.php?cms_ref=pfctv&qs_article_id=2903

Brunton Park Diary

Selected items from the past couple of weeks:-

Sep 18th (Fri)
United defender Tony Kane joins the ever-growing Carlisle United Legends team down at Darlington on a one-month loan deal having played just one game this season, the 2-2 draw at Morecombe in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy first round.
Greg Abbott quotes: "It's another situation where it would be good for the player to get first team football, and he hasn't been getting that regularly with us. It will be good for him to play competitive football at League Two level and he should come back to us sharp and ready to go."

Sep 19th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 4 BLACKPOOL YOUTH 0
The Youth Team move up to 5th with a comfortable shellacking of the Seasiders. The impressive Ryan Bowman sets up Mark Sloan for the first before going on to complete a personal hat-trick. Centre-half Jamie Cleary returned to action of a long injury lay-off.

Sep 21st (Mon)
A 500-strong crowd at Egremont Crab Fair celebrate as Cumbrian legend Howard Atkinson Gordon Blacklock defeats 24 other contenders at the World Gurning Championships.
Abbott admits that he may have to seek a gun for hire from the loan market in order to improve Carlisle’s strike force.

Sep 22nd (Tues)
CARLISLE UTD 1 PORTSMOUTH 3 (CARLING CUP ROUND 3)
After starting strongly, Carlisle’s mini-adventure in CC ends at the hands of Pompey as they eventually outlass the Cumbrians with a lesson in finishing. Anyinsah is hauled down by Mokoena to let Harte’s penalty give us the lead. Utaka chases a long ball over the top on 26 to set up Dindane and then Webber is left un-marked to head home minutes later. Vanden Borre secures victory on 63.

*Player Ratings - Pidgeley 7.4, Raven 6.6, Livesey 4.8, Murphy 3.8, Harte 6.0, Hurst 6.8, Taiwo 7.8 (star man), Thirlwell 5.0, Robson 6.0, Offiong 5.4, Anyinsah 7.6. Subs: Dobie 6.0, Keogh 6.0, MBW 4.75.

Sep 23rd (Weds)
OLDHAM ATH RESERVES 1 CARLISLE UTD RESERVES 3
Conor Tinnion, Graham Kavanagh and Ryan Bowman continued the Reserves perfect start to the season against a young Oldham side. Keogh managed some pitch time under his belt although Madine hobbled off with an ankle injury on 42.
Team: Adam Collin, Jonny Blake, Evan Horwood, Richard Keogh (Jamie Cleary 68), Steven Swinglehurst, Graham Kavanagh, Gavin Rothery, Michael Burns, Gary Madine (Ryan Bowman 42), Marc Bridge-Wilkinson, (Liam Davison 76), Conor Tinnion.

Sep 24th (Thu)
Strewth and flaming galahs all round! It’s reported that with no suitable offers on the table, Michael Bridges could be set for a move back down-under after securing a trial Australian A-League side Newcastle Jets.

Sep 26th (Sat)
CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 SHREWSBURY YOUTH 2
Bowman scores to give Carlisle the lead but the Shrews come back to steal all three points.

CARLISLE UTD 1 SOUTHAMPTON 1
96th minute heartbreak for the Cumbrians with some questionable refereeing throughout the match leading to the Saints’ equaliser as a free-kick is swung into the box, Pidgeley only half-connects with his attempted punch and the ball falls onto the head of Jaidi. Earlier, Carlisle’s keeper had made some fine saves in protecting the advantage gained from Dobie’s goal on 69 after Taiwo’s shot had been blocked. Neither defence was entirely convincing although Keogh, given the task of shackling £1m Ricky Lambert all game, played well on his return from injury with Murphy dropping to the bench. Both Pidgeley and Keogh were described as “brilliant” by Southampton boss Alan Pardew.
What would Carlisle’s new striker would give for the same plaudits. As someone pointed out, Offiong has played 13 English League games (plus 8 as sub) in his career and his only 2 goals came against . . … Carlisle.

*Player Ratings - Pidgeley 6.81, Raven 6.63, Livesey 5.75, Keogh 8.06, Harte 5.13, Hurst 5.5, Taiwo 6.25, Thirlwell 5.63, Robson 8.19, Offiong 4.88, Anyinsah 6.88. Subs: Dobie 7.0


* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard.


HTB Next Issue

Dave Brown needs opposition views for HTB! for Yeovil, Charlton, MK Dons, and Gillingham. Please ask family, friends or work colleagues. Dave will send you a list of questions to be answered.

When I went to... What is the most memorable game you have been to? Roma v Carlisle?, Sutton v Carshalton?, Barcelona v Manchester United?, Aldershot v Carlisle? Write about your most memorable game and why.

Send in all your contributions to HTB! Pics, letters, features, arguments, quizzes, cartoons - if you are not sure send it in. If you are still not sure talk to Dave Brown on 07977 464060. editor@carlislelondonbranch.org

*** IF YOU HAVE NOT YET RENEWED YOUR MEMBERSHIP YOU MAY NOT RECEIVE THIS COPY ****

Matchdays

I do not have Londondon Branch members 14 digit Teamcard numbers which I need to quote when ordering match tickets, thus accrueing loyalty points. Please therefore send me them if you use the Ticket Deposit Scheme.

Remember to check the London Branch website for all away day info throughout the season and to obtain your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance. http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org

You can order your match tickets for away games on our website or direct to tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org

Wallsall - Saturday 3rd October

Tickets are priced at £18 for adults and £12 for U17's and seniors.

I have ordered for Mike Carruthers, Dave Brown, Ken Hullock , Jason Boswell , Mike Kilner, Dave Croxford ,Jon McLoughlin , Allan Stewart, Andy Dixon ( B ) & Rob Lawson.

*** Please note that we have changed our meeting point to the Saddlers Club, Bescot Crescent, Walsall WS1 4SA **** http://www.thesaddlersclub.co.uk/matchdays.html

Yeovil - Saturday 17th October

I still await ticket prices but have orders from Mike Carruthers, Dave Brown , Dave Croxford, Barry Newsome & Alan Millington. Please order by 5pm Sunday 11th October.

I will look into Groupsave deals for trains from Waterloo to Yeovil Junction. My guess is it will be about £20 for adults and just £1 for children and the most likely services will be 0920-1202 & 1820-2132.

Bristol Rovers 14th November

Groupsave travel will be available for this trip from Paddington to Bristol Parkway with the 1045 service looking the most likely and an approximate cost of £25 for adults.

Bristol Rovers Sponsor Game (Home 2nd April 2010)

I am pleased to announce that the London Branch will be sponsoring the Bristol Rovers game at Brunton Park on Good Friday 2nd April 2010. Details to follow in due course.

250th Edition of HTB

Does anyone have any pictures of Branch members in previous decades ?

Please send your submissions to Ian Jardine at i.jardine@btinternet.com


Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson


*** 28 September 1992 - Aidan McAffrey is sacked by club owner Michael Knighton ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

Those of us who saw Sir Bobby Robson’s final public appearance at St James Park last Sunday probably realised that the day we would learn of his passing was probably not too far away. Legend is a word that is sometimes used too easily but few would argue that with Sir Bobby’s passing football and the world of sport in general has lost one of its legends.

I never saw him play but have followed his managerial career closely. I had the pleasure of meeting Sir Bobby on a handful of occasions, my late uncle; John Carruthers was his Northern Scout when Sir Bobby managed Ipswich, the club from a relatively small rural town that he turned into one Europe’s finest club sides. He did it by scouring the country for young footballing talent and coaching them into top players. I visited Ipswich for a few days many years ago with my parents and my uncle arranged for us to watch a training session then have a tour round the ground. Sir Bobby put his usual enthusiasm into that session, cajoling and encouraging players, taking part in practice matches showing the same drive that never left him in the whole of his managerial career. One of the things that riles me about football today is the number of players too frequently described as world class who are unable to kick a football with their weaker foot. I remember at the end of that training session Sir Bobby taking George Burley (Scotland’s right back at the time) and left back Steve McCall (Carlisle lad of course) to one side. For the next half hour Sir Bobby had the two of them practising crosses Burley from the left side using his weaker left foot and McCall from the right using his right foot, all of the time Sir Bobby was encouraging them either a “that’s it great cross, now do it again” or “no come on you can do better than that get your foot round it”.

The youth policy at Ipswich became legendary and a large part of that was down to the way that Sir Bobby ran the club, like a family, everybody was important, he ensured that young players leaving home for the first time were properly looked after, when their families went to Ipswich to visit them they were treated as honoured guests. Several players interviewed on TV today have described Sir Bobby as a father figure.

A couple of days after watching the training session we watched an evening game and met Sir Bobby in the lounge after the game. I remember asking him about Kevin Beattie, he was visibly upset as he described him as “the finest young player I’ve seen since Duncan Edwards, I could cry about that lad”. Kevin Beattie at that time was struggling with the injury that would prematurely bring an end to his career. One of my favourite stories of Sir Bobby was of the 1981 season when Ipswich won the UEFA cup; one of their toughest ties was against Bohemians of Prague. They lost the away leg 2-0; they were soon on level terms at Portman Rd, John Wark scoring twice in the first twenty minutes. Ipswich threw everything at Bohemians but couldn’t get the elusive third goal, as the game wore on the crowd were getting restless. Kevin Beattie was on the bench (recovering from yet another injury) and from early in the game he was constantly at Sir Bobby to put him on. With about 15 to 20 minutes left Ipswich won a free kick about 25 yards from the goal. Mickey Mills the captain had gone down injured having practically run himself into the course, Mills came off and Beattie replaced him. The crowd gave him a rapturous reception, he casually strolled up to the ball and with his first kick of the game hit an unstoppable free kick into the top corner, the stadium erupted and Beattie walked back to the centre circle arms aloft and a huge grin on his face. It finished 3-0 and Ipswich were through. After the game Sir Bobby was ecstatic but spitting feathers about Beattie at the same time “can you believe it, Mickey Mills has run 500 miles for me then he comes on and does that, it’s just not right”.

One of the highlights of Sir Bobby’s Ipswich career was the FA Cup Final victory in 1978, I was lucky enough to be in the crowd that day, a memorable day for my family as two Carlisle lads discovered by my uncle, Kevin Beattie and David Geddis, were in the side that day. A third, Robin Turner scored the two goals that earned Ipswich a 2-2 draw in the quarter final. Today he would have almost certainly have been on the bench but of course in 1978 you only had one sub.

Sir Bobby eventually left Ipswich in 1982 to take the England job. Few England fans will forget his two World Cup campaigns as England manager and although both tournaments ended in heartache, another side of Sir Bobby came to the fore – how to take defeat with grace and dignity. On leaving the England job he then managed successfully in Holland, Portugal and of course with Barcelona where he was sacked after one season despite having won three trophies! His final managerial job was at his beloved Newcastle carrying on into his seventies.

In his later years he received a number of awards for his service to the game, one of the most moving was the BBC Sports Personality of the Year lifetime achievement award. The prolonged ovation brought a lump to many a throat.

The last time I met him was in Bluewater a few years ago when he was signing copies of his autobiography, Farewell but not Forgotten. As I gave him my copies to sign I told him that I was John Carruthers nephew and that I had met him before. He stood up, offered me his hand and said “well I’m delighted to meet you son” before adding “what you doing down here”. He then talked to me for a few minutes about John and their time at Ipswich. I was conscious of the queue behind me and although the staff managing the signing tried to get him to carry on signing he was in full flow and well they just had to be patient for a few minutes. Later that evening I was talking to a friend and I told him that earlier that day I’d been talking to one of football's giants. When he asked who, I said “the great Bobby Robson”. It didn’t seem an unreasonable description to use at that time. It still doesn’t.

Mike Carruthers
31st July 2009

A poor performance at Oldham and the pressure is mounting on Greg Abbott.

A big thanks to Mike Kilner who as a result of member feedback has agreed to become Club news officer. He will provide snips for the vhtb, website and Hit the Bar focusing on Club and Cumbrian news as we are conscious that despite most people having internet access, not everyone has the time or knows where to find the information.

Here is a snip from Mike's first submission last week:-

Brunton Park Diary

Sep 8th (Tues)
TOM ALDRED goes on a one-month loan to Workington in order to receive a better a standard of football than the recent reserve games cited by the management team as being of insufficient standard. He joins a number of other ex-Blues under Darren Edmondson including Tony Caig, Lee Andrews, Tony Hopper, Shaun Vipond, Kyle May and also on loan, Andy Cook.

Sep 9th (Wed)
MORECOME RES 1 CARLISLE UNITED RES 4
Against a strong side featuring seven of the Morecambe outfield players that played against the first team in the JPT a week earlier, goals from Tony Kane, Craig Lindfield, Gavin Rothery and Ryan Bowman see the Blues romp home. Offiong was given an hour on the pitch in his bid for match fitness (doesn’t say much for the SPL).
United line-up: Adam Collin, Jonny Blake (Graham Kavanagh 62), Evan Horwood, Tony Kane, Steven Swinglehurst, Marc Bridge-Wilkinson (c), Craig Lindfield, Michael Burns, Richard Offiong (Conor Tinnion 62), Gavin Rothery, Gary Madine (Ryan Bowman 87).

The Club announce that the 100-year centenary of football at Brunton Park will be marked by a series of events and free gifts to coincide with the Southampton game on September 26th.

Sep 10th (Thu)
It’s announced that Brunton Park has been chosen to host the Schools U-18 final between England and Scotland on April 22nd 2010. The game will be televised live on Sky.

Sep 11th (Fri)

After two reserve games in which he scored both times, the club decide to end the trial spell of former Liverpool-trainee Craig Lindfield. With Dobie, Anyinsah, Madine, Cook and now Offiong on the books, he’s been left in the ‘not better than we already have’ category. It’s rumoured that Accrington are interested in his services but are unable to sign him due to a league-enforced transfer embargo.

Sep 12th (Sat)

CARLISLE UTD YOUTH 1 BURY YOUTH 0
The Youth Team make it three wins from five thanks to a second-half strike from skipper Liam Davison.


CARLISLE UTD 0 BRIGHTON 2
Even Derren Brown couldn’t have predicted this. The Blues slump to a 3rd home defeat of the season to leave them in 12th after two goals from veteran Nicky Forster who scores his 43rd and 44th goals against the Cumbrians. Strong claims for a penalty after a pull on Livesey were turned down by one of the more unpopular referees to visit Brunton Park recently.

*Player Ratings - Pidgeley 5.33, Raven 5.33, Livesey 4.67, Murphy 5, Harte 3.75, Hurst 5.67, Kavanagh 5, Thirlwell 4.67, Robson 7.17 (star man), Dobie 3.67, Anyinsah 5.

* Taken as an average from the CUFC online messageboard. Any major extremes (0, 1, 10) either ignored or adjusted.

HTB Next Issue

Dave Brown needs opposition views for HTB! for Yeovil, Charlton, MK Dons, and Gillingham. Please ask family, friends or work colleagues. Dave will send you a list of questions to be answered.

When I went to... What is the most memorable game you have been to? Roma v Carlisle?, Sutton v Carshalton?, Barcelona v Manchester United?, Aldershot v Carlisle? Write about your most memorable game and why.

Send in all your contributions to HTB! Pics, letters, features, arguments, quizzes, cartoons - if you are not sure send it in. If you are still not sure talk to Dave Brown on 07977 464060. editor@carlislelondonbranch.org


Leeds - Tuesday 29th September

Prices Seated: Adult £21
Senior (65+) £14
Junior (Under 16) £9

Tickets were ordered out of the initial tranche for Sandy McIntyre. Our supplementary order will be placed on Wednesday 23rd September. The meeting/distribution point will be determined by those members attending and a willing volunteer to distribute.

Wallsall - Saturday 3rd October

Tickets are priced at £18 for adults and £12 for U17's and seniors. I have orders from Mike Carruthers, Dave Brown, Ken Hullock , Jason Boswell , Mike Kilner, Dave Croxford & Jon McLoughlin. Please order by 5pm Sunday 27th September

Some members are booked on the train for the following times:

Out on the 10.03 from Euston arriving Bescot Stadium 12.08
Back on the 17.34 arrive Euston 19.34

*** Please note that we have changed our meeting point to the Saddlers Club, Bescot Crescent, Walsall WS1 4SA **** http://www.thesaddlersclub.co.uk/matchdays.html


Yeovil - Saturday 17th October

I still await ticket prices but have orders from Mike Carruthers, Dave Brown and Dave Croxford . Please order by 5pm Sunday 11th October.

I will look into Groupsave deals for trains from Waterloo to Yeovil Junction. My guess is it will be about £20 for adults and just £1 for children and the most likely services will be 0920-1202 & 1820-2132.


Bristol Rovers 14th November

One eagle eyed member has already snapped up a cheap coach trip from Victoria to Bristol on 14th Nov on megabus.com for £4.50 . These prices will quickly go up. http://www.megabus.com/uk/


Remember to check the London Branch website for all away day info throughout the season and to obtain your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance. http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org

You can order your match tickets for away games on our website or direct to tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org.

Bristol Rovers Sponsor Game

I am pleased to announce that the London Branch will be sponsoring the Bristol Rovers game at Brunton Park on Good Friday 2nd April 2010. Details to follow in due course.

250th Edition of HTB


This weeks topic is which are your top 10 worst grounds ?

Does anyone have any pictures of Branch members in previous decades ?
Please send your submissions to Ian Jardine at i.jardine@btinternet.com


Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson


*** 20 September 1988 - A Paul Gorman penalty earns a 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

A third home defeat in four league games yesterday, brought us back to earth with a bump.

Branch Meeting

Our next meeting is at 8pm this Thursday 17th September at the Civil Service Club. Please register your attendance with Alan Millington at information@carlislelondonbranch.org particlarly should you wish to join us for a meal at 6.30pm. Please come along and help shape the direction of the season by contributing some ideas.

Oldham - Saturday 19th September

Prices Seated: Adult £18
Senior (65+) £9
Junior (Under 16) £9
Child (Under 12) £3

This game is not all ticket however they are discounted by £2.00 if purchased in advance from Carlisle United Main Ticket Office - 0844 371 1921

I have ordered tickets for Alan Millington, Dave Croxford , Ken Hullock & Mick Driver and these will be distributed at our meeting place ' The Rifle Range ' 372 Burnley Lane, Chadderton, Oldham, OL1 2QP

Full details as always can be found on the travel section of our website http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/travel.html

Leeds - Tuesday 29th September

Prices Seated: Adult £21
Senior (65+) £14
Junior (Under 16) £9

Tickets will be available to LB members on Tuesday 15th, so I will put an initial order in on Monday evening as these will secure the better seats. A supplementary order will be placed on Wednesday 23rd September. The meeting/distribution point will be determined by those members attending and a willing volunteer to distribute.

Wallsall - Saturday 3rd October

I still await ticket prices but have orders from Mike Carruthers, Dave Brown, Ken Hullock & Jason Boswell.

Some members are booked on the train for the following times:

Out on the 10.03 from Euston arriving Bescot Stadium 12.08
Back on the 17.34 arrive Euston 19.34

Advance purchase tickets for these trains can be bought on www.qjump.co.uk

Bristol Rovers 14th November

One eagle eyed member has already snapped up a cheap coach trip from Victoria to Bristol on 14th Nov on megabus.com for £4.50 . These prices will quickly go up. http://www.megabus.com/uk/

Remember to check the London Branch website for all away day info throughout the season and to obtain your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance. http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org

You can order your match tickets for away games on our website or direct to tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org

Centenary Raffle

The London Branch had two winners :-

B&B at Hallmark Hotel, Carlisle – Matt Goodsman 31922

6 weeks kids karate course – Dave Croxford 31969

250th Edition of HTB

This weeks topic is who are your top 10 opposition players between 1974-2009 you love to hate or hated ? Please send your suggestions to Ian at i.jardine@btinternet.com

Triathlon - A big thankyou

I managed the mini triathlon and raised in excess of £1000 for the Emily Ash Trust www.emilyashtrust.com If anyone still wishes to donate just go to :

http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Clarkson

Keep the faith,

Simon Clarkson


*** 13 September 1928 - Billy Pigg scored the clubs first ever Football League penalty in a 4-2 home win over Southport ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).

It was a relief to get our first league home win of the season. We have been drawn at home to Macclesfield in the next round of the JPT. Andy Hall, the CUFC kit man has gone on twitter. http://twitter.com/cufckit

Oldham - Saturday 19th September

I still await ticket prices but already have orders from Alan Millington, Dave Croxford, Ken Hullock & Mick Driver.

A few members have booked on the train for the following times:
Out on the 09.40 from Euston arriving Oldham 12.54 - coach C
Back on the 18.00 arrive Euston 21.19 - coach D

For anyone wishing to travel with the group, I suggest checking out www.thetrainline.com or www.qjump.co.uk for the best deals.

Wallsall - Saturday 3rd October

Some members are booked on the train for the following times:

Out on the 10.03 from Euston arriving Bescot Stadium 12.08
Back on the 17.34 arrive Euston 19.34

Advance purchase tickets for these trains can be bought on www.qjump.co.uk

Bristol Rovers 14th November

One eagle eyed member has already snapped up a cheap coach trip from Victoria to Bristol on 14th Nov on megabus.com for £4.50 . These prices will quickly go up. http://www.megabus.com/uk/

Remember to check the London Branch website for all away day info throughout the season and to obtain your Ticket Deposit Scheme balance. http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org

You can order your match tickets for away games on our website or direct to tickets@carlislelondonbranch.org

Centenary Raffle

The London Branch sold 108 tickets for the Centenary Raffle.The draw is on 5th September.

250th Edition of HTB

Who are your top 10 Carlisle players between 1974-2009 you would rather forget ? Please send your suggestions to Ian at i.jardine@btinternet.com

Triathlon - Your last chance to donate

I am doing a triathlon on 6th September at Dorney Lake to raise funds for the Emily Ash Trust www.emilyashtrust.com. Those of you that know me well, will recognise that this event will be a big challenge given it is a long time since I swum or rode a bike !

Cancer and leukaemia will affect most people during the lives. The purpose of the Emily Ash Trust is to help improve the lives of children by both helping them directly and improving the lifestyle of the family unit or guardians who are supporting a child. Respite care such as mini breaks or purchases of specific equipment can make a significant difference to the quality of life within the family.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Emily Ash Trust and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it’s the most efficient way to donate - I raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

It's easy to donate online by credit or debit card - just go to my Justgiving page:

http://www.justgiving.com/Simon-Clarkson

This automatically reclaims Gift Aid if you're a UK taxpayer, so your donation is worth even more. I hope you'll join me in supporting The Emily Ash Trust.

Branch Meeting

Our next meeting is at 8pm on Thursday 17th of September in the Civil Service Club. Please let me know if you wish to attend via email on information@carlislelondonbranch.org particularly if you wish to join us for the pre meeting meal in the restaurant at 6.30pm.

Keep the Faith,

Simon Clarkson


*** 31 August 1935 - Bill Shankly became only the third player to score twice on his debut in a 3-0 win over Darlington ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).