By Ross Parkinson - Carlisle United Supporters' Trust
As I said in the previous column, I came out of Brunton Park after the defeat to Cheltenham angry and upset. I came out of Brunton Park this Saturday after the defeat to Wigan, proud of the team and excited by what could come if that level of performance can be maintained.
The Blues started well, creating a couple of opportunities even before Ethan Robson’s red card. With the way things have gone recently you’d have been forgiven for thinking that that would lead to a rout.
However what we saw was a team that looked organised without the ball, determined to win their 50/50s and brave in possession. The first half of that game was for me the best we’ve played so far this season.
We didn’t play or look like a side who were a man down. The excellent Sam Tickle even had to be helped by Jason Kerr’s goalline clearance to stop us going into the break one up.
For the Blues every man was superb, special mentions to Gabe Breeze, Terell Thomas, Tyler Burey, Dom Sadi and Harrison Neal who in my opinion gave their best individual performances for the club so far.
The first half for me was the closest we have come to the style of play we believe Mike Williamson can get us playing, Brave on the ball under the press from Wigan, and organised and battling out of possession.
In previous years that performance would’ve granted the club a well-earned replay at The Brick Community Stadium and a deserved clean sheet on Gabe Breeze’s career statistics but it was not to be.
After Wigan took the lead in extra time it was us who looked the most likely to score, Tickle pulling off two outstanding saves from Sadi and Armstrong to deny us the lottery of penalties.
The applause after Wigan’s second goal was Brunton Park at its best, recognising a team that had left nothing out there. The challenge for the squad now is to repeat that level of performance and grit in front of around 1,500 of the Blue Army at Salford and beyond.
That red card could be a good thing in the long run. It certainly brought the team and fans together and the atmosphere at Brunton Park was the best it has been for some time and as Sam Lavelle said on CUTV that really helped the players get through.
We also welcome new sporting director Rob Clarkson to Carlisle United. Rob comes with an excellent reputation in the game and we are delighted to have him at the club.
On to Trust news, thanks to all who took the time to respond to the last column with both positive and negative feedback. We received some very nice emails from members and also some criticism which as always will be taken on board.
We’ve also had a couple of offers from members looking to assist the Trust which is excellent to see.
Our Annual General Meeting has been set for December 1. There will be four seats up for election as Billy Atkinson, Kieron Bulman and our chair Dan McLennan have all voluntarily agreed to vacate their seats and stand for re-election, should they wish to, in accordance with our rules that at least one third of the seats on the board are available at each AGM.
This ensures there are multiple opportunities for those looking to get involved each year. Dave Noble, who was co-opted back onto the board this year following a short break will also stand for re-election.
The deadline for expressions of interest is this Friday, November 8 at 11.59pm. Further details can be found in the email issued to members on November 1.
We are also looking for expressions of interest in our secretary role as Alastair Woodcock will stand down at the AGM after more than 20 years of service. Please contact us if you are interested or would like to find out more. Full training will be provided to whoever takes on this role.
In terms of future visibility at games we are working with the club to get a permanent stand in the FanZone at home games and also are looking into the possibility of online forums where members can discuss the future with the board. If anyone has anything else they would like to see from us then please let us know.
Up the Blues
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