Carlisle United's 1974/5 legends returning to club to open new lounge

And now the team that played for the Blues in the First Division will be permanently celebrated at Brunton Park.

A hospitality lounge at the ground is being renamed in honour of the 1974/5 United team, with some of the legends from that season's squad attending the official opening this weekend.

Forwards Bobby Owen and Hugh McIlmoyle, midfielder Les O'Neill and goalkeepers Tom Clarke and Peter McLachlan will all be at Brunton Park on Saturday before the game against Colchester United.

They will be there to mark the opening of the 74/75 Lounge.

The lounge has been renamed and redecorated through a supporter-led initiative, with memorabilia donated by fans on display as part of the refurbish.

Clockwise from top left: Bobby Owen, Hugh McIlmoyle, Tom Clarke and Les O'Neill will be at Saturday's 74/75 Lounge opening, along with Peter McLachlan. (Image: PA)

The opening on Saturday has been organised by the Blues' supporter liaison officer Simon Clarkson, who said more of the 1974/5 heroes are due to return to Brunton Park soon.

“This has been an enjoyable project to pull together. I have had so many conversations with former players who are all loving the thought of returning to Brunton Park," he told the club website.

“People such as Ray Train, John Gorman, Graham ['Tot'] Winstanley and Bobby Parker are all keen to come another time, so there will be other days to look forward to.”

Chief executive Nigel Clibbens said the project was a good example of fans and club working together well, through Clarkson's work and that of United's supporters' groups (CUSG).

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"We are delighted to welcome back some heroes of 74/75 and I’m sure everyone will be really pleased to see them again," the director added.

“Some players are sadly no longer with us, and others will join us on other days, but their place in the club’s history and during that season won’t be forgotten."

The project is part of the build-up to the 50th anniversary of Carlisle's promotion to the top-flight, which falls next year.

They went up from Division Two in 1974, and, in the club's solitary top-flight season, even topped the Division One table after three games.

Saturday is the latest in a number of visits from former crowd favourites to Brunton Park.

The Harrogate Town game two weeks ago saw goalkeeping legend Trevor Swinburne and long-serving defender Danny Livesey among the club's guests.