Paul Simpson

Carlisle United FC

Carlisle United's origins can be traced back to 17 May 1904 and the annual meeting of Shaddongate United when members of the club voted to change the name to Carlisle United. In 1905, we joined the Lancashire Combination and four years later moved to Brunton Park. In 1928, Carlisle United replaced Durham City in the Football League. Carlisle's first fixture on 25 August 1928 saw a 3-2 victory at Accrington Stanley. A week later we overcame Hartlepool 8-0. This is still the record victory although equalled in 1952 when Scunthorpe were also beaten 8-0. In 1962, Carlisle clinched promotion for the first time. This proved to be a false dawn - 12 months later United returned to Division Four. Early in 1963, Alan Ashman was appointed manager and Carlisle were promoted again. A record 113 goals were scored and with 39, Hugh McIlmoyle became the country's top scorer. In 1974/75, United were promoted to the First Division (now the Premier League). In the words of Bill Shankly, it was ‘the greatest feat in the history of the game'. A club steeped in history and drama – none less so than with one of football's iconic moments when keeper Jimmy Glass scored with the last kick of the season in May 1999 – a proud Football League Trophy history saw Carlisle make a record sixth appearance in the final at Wembley in 2011, securing a second success by lifting the trophy with a 1-0 victory over Brentford. Be Just and Fear Not.