Football Season Guide

Carlisle United will be hoping to bounce back from the heartbreaking end to last season when they were beaten in the League Two play-off semi-finals by Exeter City. They have been licking their wounds ever since and have been dealt further blows with goalkeeper Mark Gillespie, defender Michael Raynes and striker Jabo Ibehre all rejecting offers of new deals to move on to pastures new this summer. Ibehre’s departure is likely to be most heavily felt having contributed 31 goals in all competitions over the past two years. Defender, Shaun Brisley, has surprisingly been allowed to leave by mutual consent too but Curle will be delighted to have held on to a trio of players who will be integral to any success they are to have in 2017/18. Captain, Danny Grainger, midfielder Michael Jones and winger Nicky Adams were all stand-out performers last time out, with the latter having been voted player of the season. He remains Carlisle's greatest creative outlet. Midfielder, Jason Kennedy, also chips in with his fair share of goals and he has signed a new two-year deal this summer. Curle has added to his squad with midfielder Kelvin Etuhu and striker Hallam Hope both having joined on permanent deals from Bury. Jack Bonham, a young goalkeeper from Brentford, has joined on a season-long loan and faces the task of replacing Gillespie between the sticks. Curle will be hoping to have finally found a replacement for striker Charlie Wyke having splashed out an undisclosed fee on Richie Bennett from Barrow. Bennett will certainly be looking forward to getting on the end of Adams’ crosses. Defender, Tom Parkes, has arrived from relegated Leyton Orient but the Cumbrians will still need to strengthen their defence if they are to go one better next season and win promotion to League One.