Fixture release day: 10 things Carlisle United fans can look out for

1 – The opener

Are we due an away game to kick things off this year? Law of averages says…probably.

Carlisle have started their last three league campaigns with a Brunton Park fixture. The last time they began on away soil was 2020/21.

So it wouldn’t be a surprise if the away coaches have to be boarded on the weekend of August 10. A knock-on benefit of that would be a little more time for the Blues to get their major stadium works finished, if they need it.

United have not started a league season with an away game since 2020's trip to Cambridge (Image: PA)

2 – The ‘derbies’

Ok, it’s probably too far to be a real derby. And yes, we can all argue until we are blue in the face about whether it’s a proper rivalry, and so on.

But 2024/25’s fixtures will still draw the eye to Carlisle v Barrow, and Barrow v Carlisle, and there’s no point in trying to deny it.

A bit of renewed Cumbrian spice on the fixture list is a consequence of United’s relegation and the Bluebirds’ play-off near-miss. Bring it on.

Who will prevail in the all-Cumbrian battles in 2024/25? (Image: Richard Parkes)

3 – Old rivals

Ever since May 25, 2023, Ben Barclay and all that, there has been a certain amount of antipathy on social media between fans of the Blues and the Bantams.

Well, hello again, Bradford City. 2024/25 brings Carlisle and the Yorkshire club back into opposition, and that play-off semi-final still only feels like yesterday.

A chance for Bradford revenge? More bragging rights for the Cumbrians? Harry Lewis v Andy Cook? Nice.

Play it again, Ben... (Image: Ben Holmes)

4 – New faces

Completists will first scan the fixture list for the date of Carlisle’s first-ever trip to Hayes Lane Stadium.

The trip to Bromley, whenever it falls, will be a fresh experience for the Blues and their followers – and is a handy one for the London branch too.

Let’s hope it proves a profitable visit, and that Byron Webster happens to be in 2019/20 form, rather than inspired by last season’s heroics with the Ravens…

Two dates with the Ravens await... (Image: PA)

5 – Short hops

As well as Barrow, the fixture list will be replete with relatively short trips in the most northern divisional line-up Carlisle have faced for some years.

We’ve already got Morecambe in the Unmentionable Trophy, and now we’ll have them in the league again twice.

Add Accrington Stanley, Fleetwood Town, Bradford, Harrogate Town, Salford City, Tranmere Rovers, Crewe Alexandra, Doncaster Rovers and Port Vale to that list, and you immediately see some pretty accessible away days for the Blue Army to emulate, at least, last season’s outstanding travelling support.

At least three encounters with (relatively) nearby Morecambe will come in 2024/25 (Image: PA)

6 – Reunions

Jordan Gibson’s encounters with United next season will certainly intrigue. As such, keep an eye on Carlisle v Doncaster, home and away, when the fixture news drops.

A few other recent or less recent faces will come across their former club again. Mike Jones with Chesterfield, for instance (and Paddy Madden with Chesterfield), Michael Kelly with Accrington. Then there's the small matter of Danny Grainger's new role at Morecambe.

Plenty more will dot the calendar – enough to slake the regular thirst for ex-Blues and their movements.

Gibson will be in opposition to United with his new club (Image: PA)

7 – Long hauls

This season the furthest United will travel to fulfil a league fixture is 335.1 miles, to Gillingham.

Carlisle haven’t won at Priestfield since 1994, so it would certainly be nice to end that fruitless wait at the 30-year mark.

Bromley’s the second longest (330 miles) followed by AFC Wimbledon, Colchester United, Newport County and Swindon Town: even in a shorter season, some solid treks for the away travel regulars.

Gillingham and its air-conditioned away end awaits Blues fans after 2024/25's longest journey (Image: PA)

8 – New boys

Bromley we’ve covered. Then there is Chesterfield, who won the National League with as much breathing space as Carlisle were relegated by in League One.

The first encounters with the Spireites since 2018 will certainly be a case of one side fuelled by momentum against another trying for a soft landing and an about-turn.

Chesterfield are a revitalised club and, in a seemingly open League Two line-up, will be worth watching.

How far will promotion momentum take Chesterfield in the new campaign? (Image: PA)

9 – The Sulphurites

Has the jinx been lifted? Does a 2-0 win in front of 700-odd people in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy count?

We’ll soon find out. For our dear old friends Harrogate Town are back on the menu in 2024/25.

Carlisle, as we achingly know, have never beaten the Sulphurites in league football, and their trips to the EnviroVent Stadium tend to come strewn with mishap potential. Don’t fall off your seat in shock if the fixture computer punches that one out first.

Hello again, you lot... (Image: PA)

10 – Home start

Whether it’s the first weekend or the second, the opening home game of the new season ought to be a major occasion, at least off the field.

Brunton Park, all being well, will open its doors equipped with plenty of shiny new facilities, including executive boxes in the East Stand, lounges and other offerings in that stand, a new fan area and improved facilities at the Warwick Road End, and other consequences of a huge Piatak-funded sprucing-up.

The revamped ground’s first Saturday, hopefully with the sun shining, ought to be a sight. As ever, let’s pray the football also measures up.

Brunton Park should have a significant new look by the time work is completed on the East Stand and other areas (image from May) (Image: News & Star)