It was no wonder, when news was announced of John Halpin's retirement, that one of the first things Paul Simpson said was that he hoped to keep him involved at Brunton Park.

Simpson did not speak of a specific role. Perhaps he didn't have one in mind at that stage. Maybe he still doesn't.

Yet with someone like Halpin, the figuring out can be done later. By far the most important thing - and Simpson gets this, always has - is to keep good people, folk who represent the very heart of your club, extremely close.

If you were compiling a list of the individuals who could be judged to be the absolute best of Carlisle United, Halpin would be highly placed. To many he would occupy the very top spot.

People like him simply do not grow on trees. Halpin has received great support from the Blues' growing community sports trust over the years, but that department of United would not have flourished at the outset without his personality and dedication.

After a potentially brilliant career was derailed by injuries, Halpin threw himself into the community side of things with such enthusiasm and care that it is hard to imagine him doing anything else.

It earned him a long career in that vital department - and, last weekend, a visit from the Professional Footballers' Association chief executive Maheta Molango with a lifetime service award.

It was good to see the players' union recognise such a man, and heartening to see Brunton Park rise to salute such a magnificent servant - and every single person in that crowd must surely hope Simmo succeeds in his effort to keep Halpin on board, somewhere, somehow.

You don't let your legends slip away lightly.

READ MORE: A special salute for Bules legend Halpin