CARLISLE United super-sub Jordan Gibson hopes that the players made Simmo 'proud' with their performance in the League Two playoff final at Wembley Stadium. 

Gibson signed for Carlisle United in August 2021 after departing League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers and has experienced the highs and lows of life at Carlisle United.

Now, Gibson's name will forever be associated with the Carlisle United side that defied the odds and secured promotion to League One at Wembley Stadium, something that he could not believe at full-time.

"I was 16 years old playing for Northfield Town, which was the lowest tier of the football league, you can’t even get promoted from that league and now I have just won at Wembley, it is surreal," He said.

"The belief in the changing room was massive, we have worked our socks off for this moment and it is the best way to win Wembley.

"I can't describe the emotion I have been through; I am buzzing.

"I have played so many positions and phases where I have scored, not been in the team, and to be where we were last season, 20th to then get promoted at Wembley, I can’t believe it.

Jon Mellish's unlucky own goal in the 34th minute had given Stockport County control in the playoff final and with time slipping away from the Blues, Simmo turned to his bench in search of an equaliser. 

One of these players that was tasked with getting the Blues back in the game was Gibson, who was brought on with ten minutes to go with Kristian Dennis and eventual match-winner Taylor Charters.

For Gibson, coming on in the Wembley final was his chance to help swing momentum back in the Cumbrian's favour and after the game, he spoke about his determination to get his side back into the game. 

He said: "I’ll be honest, Gav Skelton spoke to and said, you are coming on right-back and I looked him to say, come on we are one nil down, I need to change the game and he came back five minutes later, and said, you are coming on right-wing, I can affect the game there.

"I came on and did my best for the team.

"I am a player that wants get on the ball, dictate play and I came on right-wing, then centre midfield and I just wanted to get the team through the game as best I could.

"You have got to make an impact when you come, especially in these types of games and hopefully I swung momentum in our favour, and we have come out on top.

This determination was evident when Gibson stepped onto the hallowed Wembley turf and is a testament to the culture that Simmo has created at Carlisle United.

When asked about Simmo, Gibson could not speak highly enough about the man that delivered success to Carlisle and only hoped that the squad made him proud.

He said: "What can you say, [Simmo] has revitalised the club since he came in, the club was rock bottom really, on the verge of getting relegated from League Two and he has come in, got the fans together, got the team together and you can’t speak highly enough of him, all the lads want to do well for him and hopefully we made him proud.