By Ross Parkinson - Carlisle United Supporters' Trust.

In the words of my youngest son, “Football is rubbish when you are losing.”

This week brought another difficult defeat. Again with the Blues really being their own worst enemy due to errors.

Unfortunately when you are in a bad run of form it always seems that these mistakes are punished. With the addition of injuries to Terrell Thomas and Ben Williams, the latter with what appeared to be a serious problem, then it really shows football will kick you while you are down.

In spite of the above there are signs of improvement in our performances and statistics. The emergence of Dom Sadi, Aran Fitzpatrick getting some game time and Sam Hetherington and Jake Allan making their first team debuts. The latter with an extremely well taken goal.

Unfortunately, in the record books, there’s only one statistic that really matters when the final whistle blows.

Off the field the club is providing everything it can to give the players the best environment to succeed, from investments in training facilities, changing rooms and even the impressive new team bus to almost 1,800 fans cheering them on away from home.

On paper this squad has more than enough ability to challenge at the top of this league. It’s over to them to prove that they can transform that potential from the paper to the grass.

As a club we are long overdue some luck and we move onto Saturday’s game against Fleetwood with renewed hope and optimism that our form can turn.

Our 1921 director, Matt, continues to be fully involved in the recruitment process for our new management team.  This again shows the close relationship that Carlisle United Supporters’ Trust has with the club and how much the Piatak family value the input of supporters in the decision making process.

The appointments of the new Sporting Director and Head Coach are the biggest challenge since Castle Sports Group took ownership of the club and it is important to take the time to ensure the correct people are hired.

In other Trust news, the pin badges continue to sell in great numbers as well as a number of other items from the shop. It was nice to see many trust members, including Patty Piatak, sporting the badges on Saturday.

The first run of the memorial plaques has been ordered and will be installed as soon as possible. More items will be added in the coming weeks. If you have any suggestions for items you would like to see in the shop please let us know.

The Trust is by far the best way to ensure your voice is heard by the club. Despite what some say we are far more than just pin badges.

You can join Carlisle United Supporters’ Trust here: Join Carlisle United Supporters Trust – Carlisle United Supporters Trust (cust.org.uk)