Back The Blues - our rallying cry for Carlisle United's promotion push

United are second in League Two with 12 games to go, including five huge matches at Brunton Park. 

Under the inspirational management of Paul Simpson, Carlisle’s fortunes have been transformed in the last year – and now they have a glimpse of glory. 

These opportunities do not come along every season, and in United's case it has been 17 years since their last promotion. 

They have had magnificent support home and away all campaign, and we are now calling on everyone who cares about the Cumbrians to pack out their ground in even greater numbers over the next two months. 

Carlisle’s remaining home matches are against a series of promotion rivals, including Stevenage, Northampton Town, Stockport County and Salford City, as well as mid-table Tranmere Rovers. 

The stakes could not be higher...and the value of a packed and vociferous Brunton Park cannot be underestimated. 

Over 34 games Simpson and his players have done their bit to revitalise the Blues and restore hope again.

Our message is simple to everyone in the city and county (Image: News & Star)

Fans have responded in numbers and voice – and the situation now requires an even bigger effort to roar United over the line.

It is exactly two months until the final day of the season, so this is an opportunity everyone must seize in order to help Simmo and the team achieve something memorable. 

It happened back in 2005/6, when Simpson and his team powered to the League Two title thanks to some crucial wins against close rivals in the run-in. 

Who is to say they can’t do something similar with all the momentum of the city and county behind them? 

The message of our campaign is simple: it is to back United. For those already doing so, to keep behind the manager and his team in the same loud and enthusiastic way. 

For those who have not yet boarded the bandwagon – now is your time. 

United’s biggest home crowd this season so far is 9,351 who watched the Blues thrash fellow Cumbrians Barrow 5-1. 

The atmosphere that night was special – and a sign of what Brunton Park can be like when it’s crammed and bouncing. 

Imagine the energy behind Simpson’s team if that can be recreated, and more, when Stevenage, Tranmere, Northampton, Stockport and Salford visit?

Imagine how memorable it will feel to be there, to know that your extra voice has added to the clamour that shouts United home? 

Fans' favourite Owen Moxon has been one of the stars of United's promotion charge (Image: Richard Parkes)

Imagine how Simpson will feel, turning to the crowd and seeing it awash with even more passionate Cumbrian faces? Imagine how Moxon, Dennis, Mellish, Garner, Feeney and the rest will feel with the sound and volume cranked up even higher? 

Imagine if, as well as the public, the business world, which has also rallied around United under Simmo, shows its backing in an even more prominent way during the run-in?

Imagine how strong Carlisle will be with this mass unity, as their moment of destiny approaches? 

Simpson has always been big on community, and United’s place in it. That applies in good, bad and mediocre times. 

What we have here are good times – possibly great ones. So let’s get to May 8 with no regrets and, whatever comes, know that we’ve all played our part.

At this exciting stage, there's only one thing for it. Let's Back The Blues.

Let us know how you're Backing The Blues - contact Jon Colman by emailing jon.colman@newsquest.co.uk