15 February 2009
VHTB - 17/02/09 - Sad News
17/02/09 16:29
The below obituary written by LB member Neil Nixon is a fitting tribute to Mick Mitchell who passed away recently.
Proud to be a Cumbrian; Mick Mitchell 1959 - 2009
The tragic death of 'Mick' Mitchell has taken away one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated followers Carlisle United has known in the
recent past. Thousands among the Blue Army know Mick through his work. Born Anthony James Mitchell in 1959 Mick studied at St Aiden's School and watched Carlisle United in the 'legends' era. He left Carlisle in 1977 to join the BBC where he spent a dozen years working between their news and sport divisions, his career choice fuelled by his skill as a wordsmith and his
love of sport. He joined the newly formed Sky in 1989 and by the mid-nineties was also well established as a freelance writer.
Mick wasn't the first to write a book about Carlisle United but he was the first author to have his name on three separate titles. Life With Carlisle
United (1996), Legends of Carlisle United (2001) and Proud to be a Cumbrian (2005) (dedicated to his daughters Rosanna and Melissa) chronicled both Mick's love of the club and his meetings with the greats and cult heroes who inspired devotion from the fans. His best known work amongst Carlisle followers is the best-selling Carlisle United - A Tale of Cumbrian Passion, a video anthology celebrating a century of the club.
For all his love of his home city and club, Mick certainly got around. His CV read more like a wish-list of jobs for a sports fan of his generation;
Grandstand, Sportsnight and Match of the Day are all in there, along with trips to cover Lennox Lewis' championship fights in the United States. The
friends and colleagues I spoke to in researching this piece are adamant Mick would want to be remembered as a journalist. His work included stories
for children, and involvement in a dizzying array of diverse projects. He never claimed himself as a pioneer, but he did pioneering work.
It is ironic he should die as Sky celebrated its 20th anniversary. The official version of their success story cites the ambitious acquisition of
sports events as a major element of the success. In reality this success was built on hard work and those - like Mick - joining the company in the early
days were under pressure to bring the sports coverage in on a budget, frequently being expected to work in a way that combined the roles of
researcher, journalist and technician. Mick left a BBC still dominated by unions and subject to demarcation arguments, if anyone stepped out of a
role. Sky started from scratch and largely ignored the strict division of jobs and heavy unionisation of other broadcasters. Mick and his colleagues
gradually changed the way sports broadcasting was produced and understood.
His books also broke new ground. Mick was well placed to see the digital revolution changing the media world in the 1990s, and in particular the
falling costs of printing and book production. Whilst others were thinking about what this might mean Mick started his own independent production of books. His titles typically saw him doing almost all his own work. These days a small print-on-demand industry exists to help authors working for
niche markets and nobody needs to pay out hefty sums to vanity publisher or presses.
But for those of us who write about Carlisle United Mick's trail-blazing was vital to help establish the size of the market and Mick was amongst the
first to argue his own way into bookshops and use the web to generate a profile. The rest of us are forever in his debt for that. He remained a
journalist simply because, out of choice, he returned to his love of words and delivered work that let the witnesses to a story speak, and allowed him
to interject and guide the reader when necessary. His final two books feature interviews and insights from those who saw the great and
not-so-great days of Carlisle United, Mick collected interviews with some - like Alan Ashman - who have now died, and, in that sense, helped collect
and present items of definitive Carlisle United history.
The video history is - arguably - a fitting memorial to his talents, only a true fan would have attempted the task, only a good journalist would have
teased out the story and only one with the talent to source archive material and an appreciation of the need to negotiate copyright clearance could have completed the job. Mike Gardener told me; 'He was a passionate fan and all United supporters have benefited from his work.' The success of the DVD is mainly down to Mick, and Mick alone. It is also a fitting memorial to his talents that media colleagues held on to the story of his death. Mick died on 31 January but out of respect for the man, and the quiet dignity with which the family bore his death, everyone agreed to hold the story back
until after his funeral.
Mick's health in his final years wasn't good, he moved back to his home city and settled close to Brunton Park. He worked when he could, writing
freelance pieces, and still got to matches. He leaves a body of work that will be cherished by Carlisle fans, and evidence of his personality and
love of his team. There is a great picture in the opening pages of Life with Carlisle United a teenage Mick stands in the distance, in the Warwick
goalmouth, the empty terraces stretched out behind him and sheets of long black hair framing his head, his skinny frame sporting flared jeans, every
inch the seventies soccer fan.
In other pictures in later books the adult Mick has his arm wrapped round the shoulders of Hughie McIlmoyle and Paul Simpson. He is an established
professional by this point, but the same love of what he is doing that took him into that goalmouth as a youngster is still there. At his best Mick
stayed true to his passion, and spread that passion to others. It was something of a mission, as Mick himself says in the opening words of his
Legends book; '....I always tell anyone - there are not many of us but we are EVERYWHERE.' Mick did his bit to keep the faith alive and the many fans he reached will miss him.
Rest in peace.
Proud to be a Cumbrian; Mick Mitchell 1959 - 2009
The tragic death of 'Mick' Mitchell has taken away one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated followers Carlisle United has known in the
recent past. Thousands among the Blue Army know Mick through his work. Born Anthony James Mitchell in 1959 Mick studied at St Aiden's School and watched Carlisle United in the 'legends' era. He left Carlisle in 1977 to join the BBC where he spent a dozen years working between their news and sport divisions, his career choice fuelled by his skill as a wordsmith and his
love of sport. He joined the newly formed Sky in 1989 and by the mid-nineties was also well established as a freelance writer.
Mick wasn't the first to write a book about Carlisle United but he was the first author to have his name on three separate titles. Life With Carlisle
United (1996), Legends of Carlisle United (2001) and Proud to be a Cumbrian (2005) (dedicated to his daughters Rosanna and Melissa) chronicled both Mick's love of the club and his meetings with the greats and cult heroes who inspired devotion from the fans. His best known work amongst Carlisle followers is the best-selling Carlisle United - A Tale of Cumbrian Passion, a video anthology celebrating a century of the club.
For all his love of his home city and club, Mick certainly got around. His CV read more like a wish-list of jobs for a sports fan of his generation;
Grandstand, Sportsnight and Match of the Day are all in there, along with trips to cover Lennox Lewis' championship fights in the United States. The
friends and colleagues I spoke to in researching this piece are adamant Mick would want to be remembered as a journalist. His work included stories
for children, and involvement in a dizzying array of diverse projects. He never claimed himself as a pioneer, but he did pioneering work.
It is ironic he should die as Sky celebrated its 20th anniversary. The official version of their success story cites the ambitious acquisition of
sports events as a major element of the success. In reality this success was built on hard work and those - like Mick - joining the company in the early
days were under pressure to bring the sports coverage in on a budget, frequently being expected to work in a way that combined the roles of
researcher, journalist and technician. Mick left a BBC still dominated by unions and subject to demarcation arguments, if anyone stepped out of a
role. Sky started from scratch and largely ignored the strict division of jobs and heavy unionisation of other broadcasters. Mick and his colleagues
gradually changed the way sports broadcasting was produced and understood.
His books also broke new ground. Mick was well placed to see the digital revolution changing the media world in the 1990s, and in particular the
falling costs of printing and book production. Whilst others were thinking about what this might mean Mick started his own independent production of books. His titles typically saw him doing almost all his own work. These days a small print-on-demand industry exists to help authors working for
niche markets and nobody needs to pay out hefty sums to vanity publisher or presses.
But for those of us who write about Carlisle United Mick's trail-blazing was vital to help establish the size of the market and Mick was amongst the
first to argue his own way into bookshops and use the web to generate a profile. The rest of us are forever in his debt for that. He remained a
journalist simply because, out of choice, he returned to his love of words and delivered work that let the witnesses to a story speak, and allowed him
to interject and guide the reader when necessary. His final two books feature interviews and insights from those who saw the great and
not-so-great days of Carlisle United, Mick collected interviews with some - like Alan Ashman - who have now died, and, in that sense, helped collect
and present items of definitive Carlisle United history.
The video history is - arguably - a fitting memorial to his talents, only a true fan would have attempted the task, only a good journalist would have
teased out the story and only one with the talent to source archive material and an appreciation of the need to negotiate copyright clearance could have completed the job. Mike Gardener told me; 'He was a passionate fan and all United supporters have benefited from his work.' The success of the DVD is mainly down to Mick, and Mick alone. It is also a fitting memorial to his talents that media colleagues held on to the story of his death. Mick died on 31 January but out of respect for the man, and the quiet dignity with which the family bore his death, everyone agreed to hold the story back
until after his funeral.
Mick's health in his final years wasn't good, he moved back to his home city and settled close to Brunton Park. He worked when he could, writing
freelance pieces, and still got to matches. He leaves a body of work that will be cherished by Carlisle fans, and evidence of his personality and
love of his team. There is a great picture in the opening pages of Life with Carlisle United a teenage Mick stands in the distance, in the Warwick
goalmouth, the empty terraces stretched out behind him and sheets of long black hair framing his head, his skinny frame sporting flared jeans, every
inch the seventies soccer fan.
In other pictures in later books the adult Mick has his arm wrapped round the shoulders of Hughie McIlmoyle and Paul Simpson. He is an established
professional by this point, but the same love of what he is doing that took him into that goalmouth as a youngster is still there. At his best Mick
stayed true to his passion, and spread that passion to others. It was something of a mission, as Mick himself says in the opening words of his
Legends book; '....I always tell anyone - there are not many of us but we are EVERYWHERE.' Mick did his bit to keep the faith alive and the many fans he reached will miss him.
Rest in peace.
VHTB - 15/02/09 - An Offer Not To Miss
15/02/09 09:44
221 United fans took a long distance view of the team yesterday at the Withdean as two early goals saw the Branch Chairman buying drinks after the match. There were many more tales to tell of a day punctuated by trains and buses. In fact for some the euphoria of the day made them go weak at the knees. It had to happen on Valentines day.
United World
I am sure you will be impressed by this fantastic product sponsored by the London Branch and one that we are keen to continue to be associated with. As well as providing audio commentary, video highlights and press briefings, did you know that Carlisle united receive 65% of all subscriptions ?
Follow this link for a free 30 day trial of United World http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/
0,,10361~1555669,00.html
Peterborough 24th February ko 7.45pm
Tickets are available either standing on the terrace at £15 adults, £12 seniors and students and £9 juniors or seating at £20 adults, £12 seniors and students and £9 juniors . Please order by 5pm Thursday 19th February.
Groupsave train will be the 18:07 from Kings Cross ( due in Peterborough at 19:06 ) using the First capital Connect service ( groupsave not available on North East Express ). Please contact Alan Millington at information@carlislelondonbranch.org if you want to use groupsave at £11.50 each per group of 4.
The distribution point for tickets will be a barge - Charters Bar, Town Bridge, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1EH
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/20/2082/Charters_Bar/Peterborough
Given the inevitable tightness around time for evening games please indicate if you would prefer your tickets to be posted. On this particular occassion this may be wisest.
Crewe 3rd March ko 7.45pm
Please order tickets by Thursday 26th February priced at £18.60 for adults, £14.70 for seniors, £8.30 U17 & £4.40 U12 . Have you ever seen such crazy pricing ? I hope the stewards carry plenty of change !
The meeting point if applicable will be determined by the nominated distributor.
Yeovil 7th March ko 3pm
Groupsave will be available on the 1020 from Waterloo arriving at Yeovil Junction at 1233 at just over £20 per head if in groups of 4. Please register your interest with me.
***** If you are ordering tickets please keep your TDS topped up . You can check your balance on our website at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/ticketdeposit.html
Southend 21st March ko 3pm
Yet more bizarre pricing for this one where adults are £19.60, seniors £12.70 , U17 £9,80, 17-20 and students £11.75 & family ticket ( 1 adult & 1 junior ) £19.60. So basically under 17's go free as we can link any additional juniors onto single adult tickets. The deadline for ordering is 5pm Monday 16th March.
We are working on a meeting place for the distribution of tickets. If you have any suggestions please let me know.
End of Season Celebrations
There was exceptional demand for the Millwall sponsorship game on 2nd May and at the moment I can not guarantee any more places. You can still register an interest and I will attempt to get places.
I have only a few places left at the Annual Awards Dinner at the Shepherds Inn on the following evening Sunday 3rd May at a cost of £33 per head. These are always great occasions. If you want to go let me know ASAP.
Hit The Bar!
We need contributions for the next issue so please contribute reports, letters and general craic. Colour pictures really enhance the magazine - not football action on the pitch because of copyright .Why not write a letter to the Editor. What is your reaction to the season so far ? Have you heard any Degsy Balls ? Has he made many recently ? Any Carlisle/Football jokes would also be welcome.
Please email Dave Brown : editor@carlislelondonbranch.org with all your contributions.
Simon Clarkson
*** 15th February 2002 - The protracted discussions between Michael Knighton and John Courtenay over the sale of the club temporarily stalled ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).
United World
I am sure you will be impressed by this fantastic product sponsored by the London Branch and one that we are keen to continue to be associated with. As well as providing audio commentary, video highlights and press briefings, did you know that Carlisle united receive 65% of all subscriptions ?
Follow this link for a free 30 day trial of United World http://www.carlisleunited.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/
0,,10361~1555669,00.html
Peterborough 24th February ko 7.45pm
Tickets are available either standing on the terrace at £15 adults, £12 seniors and students and £9 juniors or seating at £20 adults, £12 seniors and students and £9 juniors . Please order by 5pm Thursday 19th February.
Groupsave train will be the 18:07 from Kings Cross ( due in Peterborough at 19:06 ) using the First capital Connect service ( groupsave not available on North East Express ). Please contact Alan Millington at information@carlislelondonbranch.org if you want to use groupsave at £11.50 each per group of 4.
The distribution point for tickets will be a barge - Charters Bar, Town Bridge, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 1EH
http://www.beerintheevening.com/pubs/s/20/2082/Charters_Bar/Peterborough
Given the inevitable tightness around time for evening games please indicate if you would prefer your tickets to be posted. On this particular occassion this may be wisest.
Crewe 3rd March ko 7.45pm
Please order tickets by Thursday 26th February priced at £18.60 for adults, £14.70 for seniors, £8.30 U17 & £4.40 U12 . Have you ever seen such crazy pricing ? I hope the stewards carry plenty of change !
The meeting point if applicable will be determined by the nominated distributor.
Yeovil 7th March ko 3pm
Groupsave will be available on the 1020 from Waterloo arriving at Yeovil Junction at 1233 at just over £20 per head if in groups of 4. Please register your interest with me.
***** If you are ordering tickets please keep your TDS topped up . You can check your balance on our website at http://www.carlislelondonbranch.org/travel/ticketdeposit.html
Southend 21st March ko 3pm
Yet more bizarre pricing for this one where adults are £19.60, seniors £12.70 , U17 £9,80, 17-20 and students £11.75 & family ticket ( 1 adult & 1 junior ) £19.60. So basically under 17's go free as we can link any additional juniors onto single adult tickets. The deadline for ordering is 5pm Monday 16th March.
We are working on a meeting place for the distribution of tickets. If you have any suggestions please let me know.
End of Season Celebrations
There was exceptional demand for the Millwall sponsorship game on 2nd May and at the moment I can not guarantee any more places. You can still register an interest and I will attempt to get places.
I have only a few places left at the Annual Awards Dinner at the Shepherds Inn on the following evening Sunday 3rd May at a cost of £33 per head. These are always great occasions. If you want to go let me know ASAP.
Hit The Bar!
We need contributions for the next issue so please contribute reports, letters and general craic. Colour pictures really enhance the magazine - not football action on the pitch because of copyright .Why not write a letter to the Editor. What is your reaction to the season so far ? Have you heard any Degsy Balls ? Has he made many recently ? Any Carlisle/Football jokes would also be welcome.
Please email Dave Brown : editor@carlislelondonbranch.org with all your contributions.
Simon Clarkson
*** 15th February 2002 - The protracted discussions between Michael Knighton and John Courtenay over the sale of the club temporarily stalled ( reproduced with kind permission from ' On This Day ' ).