By Malcolm Nugent - CUOSC

The Blues' final home match of the season against Stevenage gives fans the chance to celebrate Paul Simpson’s decision to stay at Brunton Park for the next three years – providing hope for a brighter future.

He now has the chance to reshape the football side of the club and we wish him every success.

But it is not the only game taking place on the ‘hallowed turf’ this weekend.

The following day sees the inauguration of the ‘CUOSC Football Fun Day’ where around 18 teams will take part in a new six-a-side tournament.

With food and drink outlets open in the concourse under the East Stand  we are hoping family, friends and supporters will turn up to make it a celebration of football.

And, if your days of running around a football field are behind you, we are planning to give you the chance to try out the ‘walking football’ option.

The event starts at 9am and will finish around 2pm. There will be ten men’s supporters’ teams – including one from United’s London Branch – competing in two groups of five. Plus, there will be four women’s games and four walking football matches.

If it is a success CUOSC hopes the competition becomes bigger and better next year. Entry will be free on the day and the bar opens at 11am so come and give your support.

The previous day against Stevenage, fans will want to pay tribute to Simpson for keeping us in the League, something that didn’t look likely just a couple of months ago.

Among the crowd will be members of the Blues’ Norwegian supporters group who will be making their first trip to Brunton Park for three years.

The group have been supporting the Blues for nearly 20 years and have around 35 members and visited Brunton Park regularly until the covid pandemic. They also sponsor the match-ball plinth and have donated money to help with academy projects.

The Blues have produced some fine performances since Simpson took charge and everyone will be hoping to see another one on Saturday.

It will also be a chance to bid farewell to young defender Dynel Simeu, whose infectious enthusiasm since he joined on loan from Premier League Southampton has won over supporters and made him an ‘adopted Cumbrian.’

Although most of his heroics have been at the back, in recent weeks he has been very close to getting on the score sheet. Fans would love to see him ‘sign off’ at Brunton Park with his first league goal.

CUOSC directors will be around the ground talking to fans and hoping to persuade them to join our supporters group. We will also be available in the study centre, next to the club shop, between 1.30-2.30pm

It costs £10 for adults for one year and £5 for seniors and Under-18s.

To find out more about CUOSC go to www.cuosc.org.uk