By Ross Parkinson - Carlisle United Supporters' Trust.

In Japanese folklore Ladybugs are believed to hold all of the bad luck so that others can prosper. It would be worth checking that our physio room hasn’t been painted with red with black spots as our luck with injuries continues to trouble us.

On Saturday Jordan Jones’ injury took our absentees to ten. When you think of the calibre of player currently unavailable to us and the battling point earned at Colchester then you can see the potential in this squad.

There aren’t many clubs at this level that wouldn’t want the likes of Aaron Hayden, Ethan Robson, Georgie Kelly, Dan Adu-Adjei, Ben Williams, Dylan McGeouch or the aforementioned Jones in their squads, plus Callum Guy and Taylor Charters, who made their comebacks on Tuesday.

There is no hiding away that on the pitch this season, things have not gone to plan. This team, in spite of the injury issues, should not be sitting 22nd in League Two. However, the new head coach and his now expanded team are implementing their style on the team and we are seeing improvements. Even if this is not yet reflected across the full 90 minutes.

We have, in my opinion, seen some of the best performances from both Sam Lavelle and Harry Lewis over the last few weeks. As we gradually welcome back the injured players that competition for places, and ability to manage the minutes of the squad, will see results improve.

For now however it’s up to the players available to claim those starting places for themselves. And ensure that when the squad is fully available that they are not the ones sat on the bench or the stands.

In Trust news, the memorial plaques have arrived and arrangements are being made to have them installed. You can order yours online here: Shop – Carlisle United Supporters Trust (cust.org.uk)

There is a £15 discount for Carlisle United Supporters Trust members on this item so if you aren’t a member you can join for just £10 and still save £5 on your plaque.

Finally a request to all fans. Following the tragic death of Jay Cartmell, the eight year old boy who died in Cumbria last month, we have received an e-mail from the Cumberland FA, who are looking to co-ordinate a countrywide tribute this weekend.

However, as Carlisle United are away at Wimbledon we are asking Blues fans to pay tribute to Jay at our home game with Harrogate on October 19 by holding a minute's applause in the eighth minute.

As the father of an eight-year-old myself, I cannot imagine the pain felt by his family and friends at this time and all of the Carlisle United Supporters' Trust Board send their condolences.