By Dan MacLennan - CUOSC chair

England may have narrowly failed to bring international football home over the summer, but attention now turns to the bread and butter for us Carlisle fans – the start of the 24/25 season!

After last season’s relegation, it’s time to wipe the slate clean and get behind Simmo and the lads as we look to bounce straight back up.

The squad is evolving, new faces are making Brunton Park their home and it’s all hands to the pump as we look forward to the rollercoaster that is following Carlisle United!

Off the pitch, significant works have taken place down at Brunton Park. The transformation of the East Stand is ongoing, and the beloved Warwick Road End is undergoing significant improvements that will drag it into the present.

The Fan Zone has also seen the installation of a TV that is rumoured to be even bigger than the one ex-Blue Darren Kelly allegedly purchased during his time here!

It was great to see it make its debut whilst Euro 2024 was on, and plans to show future away matches will be well received.

It’s fantastic to see Castle Sports Group facilitating some much-needed works which will undoubtedly improve the match experience for all.

Speaking of the stadium, CUOSC have arranged the annual ‘Volunteer Days’ down at Brunton Park, to help with odd jobs that need doing around the place. If you can spare a few hours on either Monday, August 19 or Tuesday, August 20, please drop us an email at: info@cuosc.org.uk and we’ll get in touch with the details.

Fans will recall the opening of a memory garden at Brunton Park at the start of this year. As part of this fantastic initiative, CUOSC are selling ‘Memory Plaques’ for Blues to remember those sadly no longer with us.

Priced at £50 (£35 to CUOSC Members), these will be made up and installed in the area, so fans have a lasting memorial for their loved ones at Brunton Park. Link here: https://carlisle-and-cumbria-independent-supporters-so.sumupstore.com/product/1-x-memory-garden-plaque

We at CUOSC are hosting a Members Meeting in Foxy's on Sunday, August 18, doors from 11am for an 11.30am start.

On the agenda will be details of some of the works we’ve been undertaking in the off season, including some changes to memberships, our new name and logo and our new-look website.

Ticket details are being finalised at our monthly board meeting this week so keep an eye out for those.

We also plan to stream the meeting for those who can’t attend in person. We’re happy to confirm that the Piatak family will be in attendance at the meeting and it will be great for members to chat with them as part of the proceedings.

Membership to CUOSC is available at: https://membermojo.co.uk/cuosc/joinus

Here’s to a successful 24/25 season – Up the Blues!