Football Season Guide

Carlisle United have big ambitions as they head into the new campaign. The Cumbrians endured three seasons of struggle which had seen them relegated in 2014 and following former England international defender Keith Curle’s appointment in September of the same year, they finished in 20th place in League Two. His unorthodox approach to management, coupled with distractions both on and off the pitch, was hardly conducive to success. The loss of two of his most talented players, midfielders Brad Potts and Kyle Dempsey to Blackpool and Huddersfield Town respectively, during the summer was an expected blow and Curle strengthened his squad with the signings of midfielder Jason Kennedy and striker Jabo Ibehre. The latter made an immediate impact as the Cumbrians made a promising start to last season and had scored nine goals by the end of August. They were unlucky to lose in a penalty shoot-out to Premier League giants Liverpool in a League Cup tie at Anfield and by Christmas they were in the play-offs. The flooding of Brunton Park was a real blow and they struggled for consistency following the turn of the year. It didn’t help that Ibehre’s goals had dried up by then and four wins in their last 14 games meant they eventually finished in 10th place. Curle has the basis of a squad capable of finishing in the top seven in the likes of goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, defenders Danny Grainger and Mark Ellis, Jason Kennedy and Ibehre and has added to it with some impressive signings this summer, including midfielder Michael Jones from Oldham Athletic and winger Nicky Adams from Champions Northampton Town whilst winger Jamie Devitt and striker Shaun Miller have both joined from Morecambe. If Curle can get his squad to gel, the 2016/17 season could be one to remember for the Cumbrians.