In a jubilant 15,000+ crowd who sang his name, there was one person prouder of Paul Simpson than everyone else at Brunton Park on Saturday.

That became touchingly clear when the Carlisle United boss arrived in the directors' box amid the celebrations that followed the Blues' play-off victory over Bradford City.

There to greet him was wife Jacqui - whose beaming smile in her husband's direction said it all.

The scene was captured by Blues fan Mark Lancaster from his place in the Paddock as memorable scenes unfolded following the 3-1 semi-final second leg win that took Carlisle to Wembley.

News and Star: Paul and Jacqui SimpsonPaul and Jacqui Simpson (Image: Newsquest)

The couple embraced and kissed as fans watched the tender moment on Saturday evening

Simmo has often spoken of the love and support he has received from Jacqui across his playing and managerial career.

The couple moved back to Carlisle when the 56-year-old accepted the Blues job for a second time back in February last year.

Simpson recalled how there wasn't a backward glance when United offered him the chance to turn the club's fortunes around.

“She just looked at me, and I sort of nodded. She went, 'ok'..."

Since then United's fortunes have improved dramatically - and Simpson is keen to further strengthen his roots in Carlisle.

"I think this is mine and Jackie's 27th move in 30 odd years of being married, so I don't think she'd be too chuffed if I suggested we were going to move again," he said recently.

"I signed a contract here to come here for a minimum of three years. I want to stay here, and I want to be at least three years here - I want the club to want me to stay and then after that I'd love us to be in a position where they want me to stay longer."

The couple have three sons - Joe, Jake and Dom - and a twist of fate in next Sunday's play-off final is that dad and son will be on opposite sides.

That's because Jake is head of performance at Wembley opponents Stockport County.